Soccer
Featured Video
USMNT's Most Important ๐Ÿ’ช
Mexico's Eduardo Daniel Aguirre Lara scores his third goals on a penalty , during the Under-21 Toulon soccer tournament match, between Mexico and Turkey, in Aubagne, southern France, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)
Mexico's Eduardo Daniel Aguirre Lara scores his third goals on a penalty , during the Under-21 Toulon soccer tournament match, between Mexico and Turkey, in Aubagne, southern France, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)Claude Paris/Associated Press

Mexico Defeat Turkey in 2018 Toulon Tournament; Eduardo Aguirre Nets Hat-Trick

James Dudko
Jun 6, 2018

Mexico reached the 2018 Toulon Tournament final after beating Turkey 3-1 at theย Stade de Lattre-de-Tassigny in Aubagne, France, on Wednesday.

A hat-trick from Eduardo Aguirre means 2012's winners will wait on the outcome of England's match against Scotland to see who they will face in this year's final.ย Kubilay Kanatsizkus' successful late penalty was the only response Turkey could muster in defeat.

Despite some strong early pressure, it took Mexico 26 minutes to take the lead. The goal came courtesy of the prolific Aguirre, who found the net with a deft lob over Turkey goalkeeperย Muhammedย Sengezer.

Aguirre had been played in by Diegoย Lainez, who registered his third assist of the tournament while once again showcasing his obvious potential. The Club America forward's pace and trickery was keeping Turkey on their heels.

Aguirre was ruthless in front of goal.
Claude Paris/Associated Press

Whenever the Turks did venture forward, they found Jose Hernandez a stubborn figure between the posts. The 21-year-old Atlas stopper got Elย Triย out of trouble more than once during the opening 30 minutes.

There was a blow for Mexico when skipper Cesarย Montesย suffered injury just before the break, and he was replaced by Joaquinย Esquivel.

Mexย Nexย Gen was far from impressed by Turkey's aggressive approach:

More tough injury news came when midfielder Jonathan Gonzalez was replaced by Franciscoย Cordovaย at the start of the second half. The changes couldn't derail Elย Tri, though, as coach Marc Antonio Ruiz's team doubled its lead on 57 minutes when Aguirre completed his brace.

This time, the assist came from crafty winger Urielย Antuna, whose guile was providing a worthy complement to the pace of Aguirre.

However,ย Lainezย still remained in the spotlight, withย YouTuberย Nayibย Moran marvelling at his role in the buildup after the 17-year-old had beaten a host of players on the wing:

It proved to beย Lainez's last contribution before he was substituted with an apparent injury on 75 minutes. Ulises Israel replaced Mexico's star man, whose fitness will now be at the forefront of Ruiz's thoughts ahead of the final.

There was still time for Aguirre to wrap up his hat-trick after stroking in a penalty. Turkey's lone consolation also came from the penalty spot as Bursasporย forwardย Kanatsizkus scored from 12 yards afterย Esquivelย had conceded a foul.

Mexico were worthy winners after once again turning on the style in attacking areas. Even with the injuries, they have enough match-winners up top to take the trophy home, regardless of who they meet in the final.

USMNT's Most Important ๐Ÿ’ช