Concacaf is as soon as once more painted inexperienced, white, and purple. A penalty sealed Mexico’s first-ever Concacaf Nations League title, with Raúl Jiménez rising because the star of El Tri. His two targets had been essential in securing a 2-1 victory over Panama at SoFi Stadium, lastly delivering the long-awaited championship.
The match was something however straightforward for Mexico. Panama arrived decided to play aggressively and put El Tri underneath stress. Javier Aguirre’s squad, nonetheless, capitalized on key moments to say victory-16 years after his final worldwide title with Mexico.
Javier Aguirre_ agredido en el Honduras-México desde la grada
A tense battle in Los Angeles
Panama began stronger, creating early possibilities that examined Mexico’s protection. Adalberto Carrasquilla fired a robust shot from outdoors the field, however Luis Malagón made a vital save to maintain the sport degree. The Mexican crew struggled to search out their rhythm, however a defensive mistake from Panama modified all the things. Goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera misjudged a play, permitting Jiménez to go the ball into the web and ignite the group at SoFi Stadium.
Santi Giménez almost doubled Mexico’s lead, breaking previous Edgardo Fariña however narrowly lacking the goal. Nonetheless, Panama responded with harmful assaults, exposing Mexico’s defensive weaknesses. A well-placed cross by José Luis Rodríguez created a transparent alternative, however Edgardo Fariña did not convert. Moments later, a long-range shot compelled Malagon into one other spectacular save.
Panama’s persistence paid off when Johan Vasquez fouled Cecilio Waterman contained in the field. After a VAR evaluate, the referee awarded a penalty, which Carrasquilla confidently transformed, leveling the match. With the momentum shifting, Mexico discovered itself struggling to regain management towards Panama’s bodily and arranged protection.
Jimenez delivers Mexico’s historic win
The stress inside SoFi Stadium reached its peak. With 68,000 fans-mostly Mexican supporters-watching anxiously, frustration led to moments of controversy, together with offensive chants from the stands. Simply as the sport appeared destined for additional time, destiny intervened. José Córdoba’s handball contained in the field gave Mexico a lifeline. Jiménez stepped up as soon as once more, exhibiting nerves of metal as he transformed the penalty for his second objective of the night time.
With that decisive strike, Mexico secured its long-awaited Nations League title, lastly including the lacking trophy to its Concacaf assortment. The victory not solely ended El Tri’s frustration within the match but additionally reaffirmed Mexico’s dominance within the area.
