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Monday Kickoff: Mexico downs Brazil, Colombia tops Peru, and more

MexicoBrazil (Getty)

Mexico has had its fair share of success against Brazil through the years, and 'El Tri' stifled the South Americans yet again, shutting down the high-powered 'Selecao' attack on their way to a 2-0 victory on Sunday at Cowboys Stadium.

Giovani Dos Santos played the role of hero, scoring a goal and setting up another by drawing a penalty, to give the Mexican squad a big boost heading into World Cup qualifying.

It was the performance by the Mexican defense that proved especially impressive, as an organized and tenacious back-line frustrated Brazil for much of the afternoon, with goalkeeper Jesus Corona stepping up with some outstanding saves in a five-save effort.

Mexico kicks off World Cup qualifying on Friday against Guyana before meeting El Salvador in a week. Brazil continues its tour of the United States on Saturday with a friendly against arch-rival Argentina at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey.

Here are some other stories from the weekend to get your Monday going:

COLOMBIA TOPS PERU

It was a match both teams needed to give their World Cup dreams hope, and it was Colombia that gave their qualifying chances a major boost with a 1-0 victory over Peru in Lima.

James Rodriguez provided the second-half winner, giving the Colombians a vital victory in the official debut of head coach Jose Pekerman.

The victory pushed Colombia to seven points, right into the mix for qualifying. For Peru, the devastating home defeat leaves them with just three points and second from bottom in the South American World Cup qualifying group.

OLIC TO MISS EUROS FOR CROATIA

Bayern Munich striker and Croatian national team star Ivica Olic will miss the European Championships with a thigh injury, a devastating blow to Croatia's hopes of progressing in the Euros.

Nikola Kalinic has been called in to replace Olic, while Everton striker Nikica Jelavic will likely take over Olic's starting role on the squad. 

QUICK KICKS

Italian defender Andrea Barzagli looks set to miss the Euros with a calf strain. No final decision yet on whether to replace him, but it's not looking good.

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton was attacked outside a Liverpool night club.

Steve McManaman has resigned as Birmingham City Executive Director (raise your hand if you knew he had another job besides TV commentator). 

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What did you think of Mexico's performance? See Colombia qualifying for the World Cup? Can you picture Croatia advancing out of the group stage at Euros without Olic?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Last decade dominate?? More like the US started winning on their own soil now but its been pretty even. Dominate is when the US beats Mexico at Azteca then I will agree.

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  2. They both were eliminated in the second round and Mexico had a harder group than the US. Mexico basically clinched their second round qualifying against France while the US had to clinch theirs against the almighty ALgeria at the last second. If you want to compare the last 5 world cups well the US came dead last on 3 of them. Hell Trinidad and Tobago were placed higher through goal differential in Germany 2006.

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  3. Wrong aside from the WQ qualifiers. Outside of Concacaf competition and their own soil. The US only managed 4 official wins in the last decade when you include 2 Confederations Cups, Copa America and 3 World cups. So no, US was not better.

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  4. haha US soccer sucks. they got so excited beating scotland 5-1 and then get embarassed by brazil and canada. hhahahahhahahaha US Soccer sucks!!

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  5. Mexico is hands-down superior to the usa. And Mexican fans have nothing to be “grateful” for. Mexicans pay high taxes and earn everything themselves. They can root for whoever they want. They owe nobody anything.

    Perhaps white guys should show gratitude to Mexico for bringing such an awesome culture up here, and root for Mexico.

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  6. U17, out in round of 16 (0-4 btw), Mexico World Champions
    U20, you didn’t make it, Mexico, medal and award
    U23, US thanks for hosting the qualifying, Mexico champions
    Men’s teams US out scored 9-2 in the last 2 Gold cups, spanked by Brazil, tie to mighty Canada, Mexico 3-0

    Thanks, luv

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  7. Ah, lets not look at history. The friendly is the USMNT stat padder, without it your record against most is terrible. Games in Mexico? Try never, wat an easy stat to remember.

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  8. DONE!

    5/24MEX vs ENG lost @ Wembley

    5/26MEX vs NED lost in Germany

    5/30MEX vs ITA won in Germany

    1-2 record. i guess your right there not that good in europe but look who they lost to not bad at all. and that team with the MISdirection of coach aguirre.

    Reply

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