MEXICO’S first victory in the Confederations Cup was marred as their game against New Zelanad descended into chaos in injury time.
Almost all the players became involved in a brawl on the pitch after a bad foul by New Zealand’s Michael Boxall.
There were punches, slaps and even headbutts thrown, and it appeared the VARs would have a tough job on their hands.
But incredibly, after the referee had refereed the decision, only one player was shown a yellow card, Diego Reyes for Mexico.
It will surely lead to more criticism at the new system being adopted, that has made a number of blunders in this tournament so fa
Chris Wood put New Zealand ahead in the Group A clash with a finish that showed why he could be on the move this summer.
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Poor Mexican defending presented the Leeds United man the ball 10 yards from the goal, and he kept his nerve to fire past Mexico keeper Alfredo Talavera.
But clearly Mexico’s management staff had a stern word with the players at half-time, and they were back level just nine minutes in.
A fine attacking run by Javier Aquino is capped by an unstoppable finish by Raul Jimenez to bring level up the scores.
And the Mexicans took the lead for the first time in the game when Oribe Peralta netted on 72 minutes with a fine finish.
Just a few minutes before this, a huge cheer rang out from the Mexico fans when legend Rafa Marquez appeared off the bench, all 38 years of him.
New Zealand were shell-shocked – they were the better team for long periods of the game, and yet now found themselves behind.
As they pushed forward for an equaliser, they were nearly caught out and were left indebted to defender Tommy Smith, who cleared a Mexico effort off the line.
But sadly any ascendancy they may have been striving for came to an abrupt, and disappointing end as the game moved into injury time.
Boxall flew into a challenge, clearly seething at an earlier tug back by Mexico goalscorer Jiminez.
All hell was let lose as the players, and management, squared up to each other.
After two minutes of scrapping, the referee turned to the VARs – but was severely let down.
Only one player was booked, when perhaps there could have been at least three red cards.
It was left to Mexico to wind the game down, and send New Zealand home from the tournament in Russia.
Group A - The lowdown
July 17 – Russia 2 New Zealand 0
July 18 – Portugal 2 Mexico 2
June 21 – Russia 0 Portugal 1
June 21 – Mexico 2 New Zealand 1
June 24 – Mexico vs Russia, 4pm kick-off
June 24 – New Zealand vs Portugal, 4pm kick-off
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