DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Mexico returned to the semi-finals of the 2017 CONCACAF Beach Championships on the strength of a 5-1 win over Trinidad & Tobago on Friday in Nassau, Bahamas.
In-form Jose Ramon Maldonado Alonso took his tournament tally to eight with a brace, in a win that ultimately proved comfortable despite spells of pressure from the men in red, white and black.
Advancing to the semi-final stage were El Salvador, Mexico and Panama, as well as Guadeloupe who beat host Bahamas 5-3 to become the only Caribbean representative in the final four. El Salvador drubbed Jamaica 5-0 and Panama ousted USA 6-4.
Maldonado gave Mexico a flyer when roofing the ball from 10 metres out in just the second minute and Cesar Saldivar Robles’ unmarked header from a throw in put the Tricolor up 2-0 in the 10th minute.
Trinidad & Tobago captain and defender Ryan Augustine halved the deficit when advancing up-field to put in a flicked up Chad Appoo pass for 2-1 in the 24th-minute.
But a skidding low drive from Angel David Rodriguez in the 27th quickly dampened T&T hopes, while they were all but extinguished in the 33rd when Maldonado grabbed a second with a powerful shot through the legs of goalie Victor Thomas.
Diego Oswaldo Rodriguez made the score line more flattering at 5-1 for Mexico in the 34th minute when he beat the lone defender in goal with a shot high up into the net.
México vs Trinidad & Tobago Highlights