New Zealand earned a dramatic 2-2 draw with Mexico after the equalizer came with the last kick of the Group B game as both teams took their bow at the women’s World Cup.
Mexico led 2-0 after 30 minutes thanks to Stephany Mayor and Maribel Dominguez, but the Kiwis hit back as captain Rebecca Smith scored with time almost up before teenager Hannah Wilkinson leveled in the 94th minute.
Smith, who plays soccer in Germany for VfL Wolfsburg, looked to have scored no more than a consolation goal as she was left unmarked in the area and headed home in the 90th minute on Tuesday.
Photo: Reuters
However, the Kiwis were -rewarded for their never-say-die attitude when second-half replacement Wilkinson controlled the ball from a long cross and held off the attentions of two defenders to score, just seconds before the final whistle.
“To win our first point in this way is like winning the World Cup,” New Zealand coach John Herdman said. “If we’d had another three minutes or so, I reckon we would have gone on and won.”
Despite the point, both teams are going home, as England progressed as group winners after their 2-0 win over Japan, who had already qualified, in Augsburg.
“We came within a few seconds of making history with Mexico’s first win at a women’s World Cup, but it wasn’t to be,” said Mexico coach Leonardo Cuellar, whose team had been hammered by Japan in their previous game.
There was no clue of the drama that was to follow as Mexico started the match by flooring the Kiwis in front of a crowd of a little more than 20,000.
Having drawn their opening game with England, they suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Japan in Leverkusen on Friday and Mexico came out determined to make amends.
Mexico took the lead after just two minutes when 29-year-old forward Mayor netted her sixth goal on her 19th appearance.
Mexico doubled their lead when captain Dominguez netted a second after 29 minutes — her 69th goal for her country — but New Zealand never gave up.
The Oceania champions showed plenty of spirit and midfielder Rosie White picked up an early yellow card for a loose first-half tackle.
Left-back Anna Green worked tirelessly and came close with a couple of chances, particularly in the dying stages, but it was Smith who finally netted in the 90th minute to put her side back in the game.
It was then left to 19-year-old Wilkinson, who showed maturity beyond her tender years to coolly slot home her half-chance as she found herself in front of goal.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely