Albania mauled by Mexico
Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Article summary
FIFA World Cup finalists Mexico eased to a 4-0 victory over ten-man Albania on Wednesday.
Article body
A double from second-half substitute Adolfo Bautista helped 2002 FIFA World Cup finalists Mexico ease to a 4-0 victory over ten-man Albania
No way back
The European team, preparing for their EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign, were never in contention at Qualcomm stadium on Wednesday, and went behind in the 26th minute to a Jared Borguetti goal from close range. Four minutes later the hosts had doubled their advantage through a header from Ramón Morales. There was no way back for Albania in the second half, especially as they lost Ardit Beqiri to a second yellow card just before the interval.
Second-half show
Bautista took over after half-time after coming on for Borguetti. He scored Mexico's third in the 52nd minute by scrambling home Alberto Garcia Aspe's free-kick. His second came just before the end when he pounced on debutant Gabriel Caballero's pass in the 90th minute.
