Oribe Peralta Nets Hat Trick As Mexico Soccer Tops Costa Rica, Secures Spot in Pan-Am Final

The Mexican soccer national defeated Costa Rica 3-0 in the semifinals of the XVI Pan-American Games Guadalajara 2011 with a hat-trick by veteran striker Oribe Peralta to secure a spot in the final.

The hosts played their best match so far in the tournament and look now as favorites to win the gold medal.

Peralta had a chance to score his first goal of the night at the Omnilife Stadium just two minutes into the game but Costa Rican goalkeeper Briceño made a spectacular save.

Peralta beat Briceño in minute 20 as he was allowed to turn inside the box by the Costa Rican defense and found the top corner of the net.

Ten minutes later, forward Amione made a run into the 18 yard box and assisted Peralta, who shot from an uncomfortable angle to score his second for Mexico.

The third and final goal was scored by Peralta in the second half after a free kick taken by Bocanegra that Peralta headed into the back of goal.

“El tri” was close to scoring their fourth goal a few times late in the game as they kept their pressure through out the match. Jonathan McDonald was close to scoring one for “los ticos” but was denied by captain and goalkeeper Jesus Corona.

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