A horribly played first half on Wednesday could have been enough to doom Mexico's chances at the Confederation Cup. It's second half erased any potential damage. After going down to New Zealand 1-0 in the first half of their second group stage match, Mexico turned it around in a sensational second half to win 2-1. 

After Chris Wood scored late in the first half for the Kiwis in what was a physical match, Mexico scored twice in under 20 minutes in the second half to earn its first victory of the cup, sending New Zealand to its second defeat. Here's how it went down:

With several changes, Mexico looked to have underestimated their opponent. And New Zealand made them pay. El Tri couldn't deal with the pressure, as the Kiwis threatened, with a goal only a matter of time. That's when Thomas finished from close after a nifty through ball with little time left in the first half:

A rejuvenated Mexico, with Hector Herrera coming on at the break, completed the comeback using speed down the wings. First it was this nifty finish from Raul Jimenez on 54 minutes:

Then a masterful Javier Aquino set up Oribe Peralta for the winner on 72 minutes:


A fantastic comeback, putting Mexico on the verge of semifinal qualification. But there is work to be done. If Mexico loses to Russia next time out and Portugal gets a result against New Zealand, El Tri are headed home.


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