Samurai Blue Falls Short to Mexico 1-3

Well it was a great run leading up to this historic Olympic Match for Japan's U-23 team that would have led to the first time in Olympic history that a nation would have had both a men's and women's team compete for the gold medal. But this was not to be. After dominating the ball for the first twenty minutes with one goal in by Yuki Otsu, the Mexican team did what they are known for, seizing opportunities to score on their opponents mistakes. It was clear particularly by the second half that Mexico had the momentum to take the match as Japan's team made more critical errors leading to a 3-1 defeat to Mexico. We would have liked to seen Japan win and move onto the gold medal round but all is not lost. Japan will face regional rival South Korea for the Bronze while Mexico will face Soccer Superpower Brazil in Saturday's final match. In one sense, it is better that Japan did face this showdown with Brazil just yet. While Nadeshiko shut down Brazil's women's team, the men would have had their work cut out for them. Japan's U-23's have nothing to be ashamed of. They made it up to the Semi-finals and are still in medal contention. So we say to Japan's U-23's Ganbare kudasai! There is still one medal to be had until the next Olympics!