Two Garcia Goals Stun Suffering Irish

ORLANDO, Florida -- Luis Garcia knocked in two goals to lead Mexico to a 2-1 win over Ireland in first-round World Cup action Friday in Orlando's Citrus Bowl. As a result of the win, Mexico, Ireland, Italy and Norway are tied four-way for the top spot in the Group E competition with three points each. Goal differentials are equal for all four. Mexico dominated play nearly all the day with short give-and-go passes and speedy dribbling action until substitute John Aldridge flicked in a header in front of the goal with six minutes left to put the Irish back in the game at 2-1. Garcia was the star of the day, however, with a goal in each half and nearly a third on a breakaway that goalkeeper Pat Bonner prevented from going in. The heat and humidity was intense, with temperatures 44 degrees centigrade on the field. Tempers also flared among the Irish as the match wore on. "The Mexicans didn't beat us, the weather did," said Irish coach Jack Charlton. In the 65th minute, Alberto Garcia Aspe found Garcia wide open in the center, and from 18 meters out, his low right-foot shot was lethal. "They scored at crucial times," said Charlton. The second goal completely cut Ireland's legs and some players, and Charlton, lost their cool, bitterly complaining to officials. Bonner made a couple of great saves to prevent the game from turning into a rout. Thousands of Mexican fans in the stands were calling for "Hugo, Hugo," referring to Hugo Sanchez, who was sidelined after having led Mexico's offense for over a decade, when Garcia's goal sent them into a frenzy. Ireland, boosted by a sea of fans in the 61,219-capacity Citrus Bowl, ran its heart out just like it did during its 1-0 upset Saturday of Italy, but came up short this time. Ireland had been counting on pressure from the air against the small Mexican defense but it rarely materialized. Charlton had warned the sauna-like conditions would favor the Mexican team and he was right. Mexico had lost 1-0 in its opener Sunday against Norway. In the first half Friday, Garcia powered in goal with three minutes left in the half to give Mexico a 1-0 lead. Ireland forward Tommy Coyne at 5 minutes into the game missed close in on a break in front of goalkeeper Jorge Campos but otherwise the Irish offense mostly consisted of long passes in the humid Florida weather. Steve Staunton shot wide left at the 33-minute mark of the half and Andy Townsend narrowly missed on a header on a good save by Campos to lead the Ireland attack. Mexico plays Italy next Tuesday and Ireland takes on Norway to finish out the group's first-round matches.