Mexico rebounds from slow start to beat El Salvador 3-1

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:57 am

Hector Moreno celebrates after scoring a goal for Mexico vs. El Salvador.
Hector Moreno celebrates after scoring a goal for Mexico vs. El Salvador.
AP Images

Mexico rebounded from a sluggish first half to beat El Salvador 3-1 and maintain their perfect group-stage record in CONCACAF World Cup qualification.

El Tri forced the run of play for most of the first half, but couldn't find an opener in the first 20 minutes.

Then things went south, as a Jorge Torres Nilo handball in the penalty area in the 24th minute gave El Salvador the chance it needed from the spot and Alexander Larin converted with a cheeky, chipped effort to give his team a 1-0 lead.

El Salvador continued to force mistakes from the Mexico defense following the penalty, which seemed to rattle Juan Carlos Osorio's team, but the hosts couldn't capitalize for a second goal and settled for a one-goal lead at the break.

Mexico opened the second half in perfect fashion, as Hector Moreno got on the back end of a nice cross into the six-yard box from a set piece and deftly slotted home to make it 1-1.

The goal seemed to enliven the El Tri attack and minutes later national team debutant Angel Sepulveda headed home from close range for Mexico to give his team a 2-1 lead.

With Mexico firmly on the front foot, Sepulveda was at it again, this time drawing a foul in the penalty area for Raul Jimenez to step up and convert from the spot to give El Tri a 3-1 lead that they wouldn't relinquish.

Mexico, who have already secured a spot in the Hexagonal round, wrap up group play on Tuesday with a match against Honduras, while El Salvador will face Canada.