Challenge

City Palace Stadium
Spectators: 40 (Terracing: 31, Seating: 9, VIP seats: 0) It was fairly windy and cold on the field when Julian Efraim kicked off to start the match. Jairo Ler hit a great freekick 9 minutes into the match. Mexico's Dante Lacasa played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Julian Efraim in the 12th minute of play. Xencio Millan showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Lautaro Mancebo, who was totally free with the ball in the 16th minute. In the 20th minute, Lorenzo Cazalla hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. In the 27th minute of the match Mexico got a corner. Cardiff City FC's goalie ran out to the linesman to protest the call, but the linesman resolutely pointed his flag at the cornerflag. Joel Gaona ran over to the corner to take the kick. 30 minutes into the match, Cardiff City FC's goal looked a bit too open when Joel Gaona came free, but Xencio Millan reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. In the 31st minute Mexico were awarded a corner. Joel Gaona went to the cornerflag to take it. Alberto Tafalla fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 34th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Xencio Millan having to interfere. Xencio Millan took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Lautaro Mancebo, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. After 38 played minutes Mexico got a freekick which was hit by Luca Zorita. Cardiff City FC's Laureano Jusepe managed, thanks to a brazen rush, stole the ball on a throw-in made by Leonardo Leoz in the 43 minute of the game. Xencio Millan came out of the goal in the 46th minute to try and stop a shot by Mexico's Alberto Tafalla. But to his dismay, Alberto Tafalla quickly shot the ball in between his legs and into the goal making it 1-1.

The hometeam waved at the audience when it was time for Joel Gaona to strike the kick off in the second half. Alberto Tafalla fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 52nd minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Xencio Millan having to interfere. An unexpectedly hard shot by Facundo Cadaval in the 56th minute of play forced Cardiff City FC's goalkeeper Xencio Millan to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. The corner ended in Lorenzo Cazalla almost managing to get the ball behind the net, but Cardiff City FC's Xencio Millan did a great save. Lautaro Mancebo could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 59th minute of the match, but Xencio Millan made a huge save. The supporters of Mexico booed when Cardiff City FC was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 63 match minutes in a wonderful position. Everardo Joey didn't get a good kick on the ball. The corner led Mexico's Joel Gaona to fire away a dangerous shot which Xencio Millan despite some difficulties managed to get hold on the ball. In the 69th minute of the match, Lautaro Mancebo got a very nice opportunity to score, but Xencio Millan was well-placed and pushed the ball away from the goal at the left post. In the 71st match minute, Cardiff City FC was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Rafa Coutinho to maneuver through the defense. After having played for 71 minutes, Joel Gaona managed to get in a good position for a shot on goal. Mexico's supporters crossed their fingers, but Joel Gaona was, after a quick turn that froze the defenders, out of balance and shot the ball just to the right of the goal. Cardiff City FC's Xencio Millan played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Alberto Tafalla in the 75th minute of play. In the 81st match minute, Cardiff City FC was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Everardo Joey to maneuver through the defense. 88 minutes into the game, Alberto Tafalla recieved a splendid long ball, split the defenders, and gently placed the ball to the left of Xencio Millan. Alberto Tafalla showed that you don't have to tear a hole in the net to score, 1-2. A collision led to Cardiff City FC getting a freekick after 93 minutes play. Nunez Larra hit a great ball. Mexico's players went to the stands to thank the travelling support. The fan's backing had helped spurr the team on to a fine performance that won them the match.