Match Report
| Mexico | Trinidad & Tobago | |
|---|---|---|
 |
   |
 |
FIFA World Cup™ Qualifier
| Date | Venue | Location | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001-09-05 | Estadío Azteca | Mexico City, Mexico | 75000 |
Mexico beat Trinidad in tense atmosphere
| Mexico revived their World Cup chances by beating Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 on Wednesday in a tense atmosphere due to a serious injury suffered by their top player in a previous clash between the teams. Mexican striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco was playing only his second international since last October, when he was left with a knee injury following a tackle by Trinidad defender Ansil Elcock during Mexico's 7-0 win in an earlier stage of the World Cup qualifying tournament. Elcock, who was sent off for the tackle, had a penalty given against him and was banned for two matches, did not travel to Mexico after saying death threats had been phoned to him. With the incident still etched in the memories of the Mexicans, the first foul on Blanco in the sixth minute, by Addison Belfon, nearly led to a brawl as angry Mexican players rushed to protect him. Blanco, who scored two goals on Sunday against Jamaica on his international return, responded by making Mexico's first two goals and scoring the third himself. Blanco won the 23rd minute penalty from which veteran Alberto Garcia Aspe gave Mexico the lead and the second goal, scored by Jesus Arellano two minutes before halftime, came after a one-two with the Valladolid player. Blanco converted another penalty in the 85th minute, awarded for a foul by goalkeeper Shaka Hislop. Trinidad had Belfon sent off in the 52nd minute for a tackle from behind on Jared Borgetti. The win took Mexico third in the final stage of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament, ahead of the United States on goal difference. Trinidad, who are out of the running, remained bottom with one point. The top three teams qualify. |
| LINEUP | |
| 1. | Neil Hislop (capt.) |
| 17. | Addison Belfon  43 ' 52 ' |
| 7. | Cyd Gray 12 ' |
| 6. | Avery John |
| 16. | Anton Pierre 88 ' |
| 5. | Keyeno Thomas 86 ' |
| 9. | Arnold Dwarika |
| 8. |  Angus Eve |
 46' Mickey Trotman | |
| 11. | Brent Rahim |
| 62' Gary Glasgow | |
| 3. | Dale Saunders 56 ' |
| 14. | Stern John |
| SUBSTITUTES | |
| 13. | Stokely Mason |
| 12. | Gary Glasgow |
| 15. | Mickey Trotman |
| 78' Stokely Mason | |
| 21. | Michael McComie |
| 19. | Aurtis Whitley |
| 18. | Nigel Pierre |
| COACH | |
| René Simoes | |
| SUBSTITUTIONS | |
| 46' | Mickey Trotman for Angus Eve |
| 62' | Gary Glasgow for Brent Rahim |
| 78' | Stokely Mason for Mickey Trotman |
| YELLOW CARDS | |
| 12' | Cyd Gray |
| 43' | Addison Belfon |
| 52' | Addison Belfon |
| 56' | Dale Saunders |
| 86' | Keyeno Thomas |
| 88' | Anton Pierre |
| RED CARDS | |
| 52' |  Addison Belfon |