Cordova, who plays for Mexico's Club America, converted an early spot-kick for the 2012 gold medallists after a foul by Wataru Endo on Alexis Vega. Defender Johan Vasquez, sent off in the 2-1 loss to Japan in the group stage, peeled free of his marker to head in Cordova's free-kick as Mexico doubled their lead midway through the first half. Another Cordova delivery created Mexico's third goal on the hour when Vega headed in superbly from a corner. Japan grabbed a consolation through substitute Kaoru Mitoma but finished fourth for the second time in three Olympics, having also lost the third-place playoff at London 2012. Reigning champions Brazil play Spain, who won the title on home soil in 1992, in the final in Yokohama on Saturday.