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OCEANIA-OFC NEWS

January 26, 2003 Mexico ties Sweden in first game of 2003 Australia Cup Mexico 1 Sweden 1 Scoring Mexico Perez, Patricia 13 Sweden Svensson, Victoria 92+ In oppressive heat of high-thirty degrees C., but a reduced smoke haze, Mexico almost pulled off an upset win over favored Sweden, who equalise in the second minute of stoppage time. Sweden started in promising fashion without, but the Mexicans coped with the conditions much better than the Swedes who came to Australia from the freezing temperatures of a Scandinavian winter. Mexico combined well in attack and their speedy forwards were able to penetrate the Swedish defence. With just thirteen minutes gone Mexico took the lead when midfielder Patricia Perez converted a cross from the right from Maribel Dominguez, and they looked more dangerous in attack for the remainder of the half. Sweden picked up their game in the second half but had trouble finishing their numerous chances. Linda Fagerstrom had one cleared off the line by defender Monica Gonzalez midway through the half, and Victoria Svensson watched her header hit the crossbar with the clock ticking down. Svensson finally brought relief with a last-ditch in the 92nd minute, the unchallenged striker driving into the top of the net from 15 metres.