Mexico ahead Raul Jimenez celebrates after scoring his group’s profitable penalty within the Nations League remaining victory over Panama (Frederic J. Brown)
Raul Jimenez scored twice as Mexico snatched a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Panama to win the CONCACAF Nations League for the primary time on Sunday.
Fulham striker Jimenez — who had additionally bagged a brace in a semi-final win over Canada — slotted a stoppage time penalty to settle a pulsating remaining battle at SoFi Stadium.
Commercial
Mexico’s win was tinged with controversy although, with the ultimate halted by match officers within the closing minutes resulting from homophobic chanting from Mexican followers.
It was the third CONCACAF Nations League remaining in a row to be stopped as a result of offensive chants which have continued amongst Mexico’s followers for years regardless of repeated CONCACAF makes an attempt to crack down on them.
Jimenez, 33, transformed the profitable spot-kick within the second minute of stoppage time after Panama defender Jose Cordoba needlessly flung an arm out at a cross to concede a handball.
Jimenez paid tribute to the affect of Mexico coach Javier Aguirre following the victory. Aguirre, 66, started his third stint as Mexico coach in 2024 after beforehand main the aspect in 2001-2002, and 2009-2010.
Commercial
“That is what we needed from day one, since ‘Vasco’ (Aguirre) arrived,” Jimenez stated, referring to the Mexico coach by his in style nickname.
“These video games are robust, however we performed the way in which we must always have after they tied us, and there we’ve it.”
Jimenez’s four-goal contribution to Mexico’s Nations League finals marketing campaign was the newest chapter in what has been a fairytale return from damage from the veteran Premier League striker.
In 2020, he suffered a life-threatening cranium fracture and mind damage throughout a Premier League match between Arsenal and former membership Wolves, later being informed by medical doctors it was “a miracle” that he survived.
Commercial
“It is improbable to return again after what I have been via,” Jimenez stated. “That is only a nice instance — you by no means, by no means need to lose the religion. You already know what you’re able to.”
– Panama heartbreak –
The defeat was heartbreaking for Panama, who had shocked america 1-0 within the semi-finals and have been hoping to win their first worldwide match since 1951.
An entertaining first half noticed Panama nearly take the lead after six minutes, striker Cecilio Waterman blasting a low shot immediately at Mexico goalkeeper Luis Malagon.
As a substitute although it was Mexico who drew first blood two minutes later after one other purpose from England-based striker Jimenez.
Commercial
Roberto Alvarado discovered house down the best flank and curled an outstanding cross in behind the Panama defence which Jimenez stooped to nod residence.
Jose Luis Rodriguez nearly received Panama again on stage phrases 4 minutes earlier than half-time solely to see his shot heading for the highest nook saved by Malagon.
Panama did not have lengthy to attend for the equaliser, which arrived quickly afterwards when Mexico’s Johan Vasquez caught Waterman with a mistimed problem within the space.
The foul was not noticed instantly however after a prolonged VAR evaluate, referee Mario Escobar pointed to the spot and Adalberto Carrasquilla duly rammed residence the spot-kick to make it 1-1.
Commercial
A scrappy second half noticed each groups wrestle to create clear goalscoring alternatives and as extra-time loomed ever nearer, the strain mounted.
Within the 83rd minute, after warnings from the general public handle system to stop homophobic chanting by Mexico’s followers have been ignored, Escobar known as a halt to the match below CONCACAF protocols designed to fight the difficulty.
The break in play allowed Panama a possibility to regroup.
However it was Mexico who took benefit, and so they received their reward for a late burst of stress when Cordoba gave away the decisive penalty.
rcw/bb
