World Soccer News logo


Mexico 1 Bulgaria 0

First Published: Apr 18, 2002

A last minute goal from substitute Francisco Gabriel won this New York friendly for Mexico.

Gabriel scored with seconds remaining and had only been on the pitch for two minutes at Giants Stadium when Ramon Morales' corner kick was flicked across goal by Braulio Luna for Gabriel to crash a header past goalkeeper Yordan Gospondinov from close range.

But the celebrations of Mexican fans turned a little ugly with missiles thrown at security guards in stoppage time prompting referee Ali Saheli to halt the game erly.

Rosen Kirilov was sent off for Bulgaria in the 53rd minute for a foul on Luis Hernandez and the game was littered with fouls. The Mexicans had the best scoring opportunities of the opening half.

Mexican captain Marquez had hit a post with an 18th minute drive but they made hard work of this win.