By Robert H. KellyCopyright 2008 TexSport Publications
HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 15, 2008) Carlos Vela scored off a missed shot by Luis Perez and kicked it in for Mexico's first goal in their 2-0 win over Belize in their World Cup Qualifer match in Houston.
Jared Borgetti scored the second goal for Mexico on a penalty kick during stoppage time to round out the scoring. The match was the first of a two-game aggregate series, with the second game to be played in Monterrey, Mexico on Saturday, June 21.
Belize, ranked No. 172 in the world, was a huge underdog to 14th-ranked Mexico. However, Belize held Mexico at bay, with its defense consistently turning back Mexico's attacks to keep the score 0-0 at the half.
Belize goalkeeper Shane Orio blocked three shots the first 25 minutes, including a leaping block of a power shot up the middle by Andres Guardado. Orio also stopped a close-in shot from the right side by Fernando Arce in the 39th minute.
Mexico was dominant in the game, taking 12 shots the first half to only one by Belize. Mexico also had 11 corner kicks to one by Belize the first half.
Belize, playing in the second round of qualifying for the first time ever, got another dramatic save in the 71st minute when Orio was taken out of the play and Trevor Lennen went into the goal to kick out a short shot at the last second.
Belize's offense was lacking as it managed only two shots on goal the entire game.
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