Confederations Cup Group B Wrap: Japan & Mexico The Winners

Mexico knocked Brazil out of their stride to qualify for the Confederations Cup semi-finals while Japan kept alive their qualification hopes by defeating Greece on Matchday 2 in Group B. Japan should probably have scored more than one goal against disappointing Greece, with strikers Atsushi Yanagisawa and Keiji Tamada wasting several chances in a one-sided game. But with 14 minutes left on the clock the Asian champions finally scored when Masashi Oguro beat Greek keeper Antonis Nikopolidis. At the other end, Japan keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi was only seriously tested by a lone shot from Angelos Charisteas. In Hannover a little later, Mexico extended their unbeaten run to 19 consecutive games to reach the last four of the competition with a 1-0 victory over Brazil. The Mexicans - currently sixth in the Fifa/Coca Cola world rankings - have lost just once in 25 matches stretching back exactly a year. And that solitary defeat was against Brazil in the Copa America last July, so victory in the Confederations Cup against the World Champions was all the sweeter. Jared Borgetti, who missed a penalty in the first half despite taking it three times, headed home the decisive goal just before the hour mark. Brazil’s Adriano thought he’d scored with a header from Kaka’s cross nine minutes later but was it was ruled offside. Mexico’s first-half penalty was awarded after 30 minutes when Borgetti was brought down by Brazil captain Roque Junior in the area. Borgetti netted from the spot but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti ordered a re-take for encroachment by Jose Fonseca. Borgetti’s second attempt hit the bar but he got a reprieve because this time Rosetti noticed that Brazil’s Emerson had encroached into the box. The third effort was saved by Brazil keeper Dida, but Borgetti made amends with that second-half winner. The Brazilians now face Japan on Wednesday to decide who will take the other semi-final place from Group B.