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 ultimate battle at SoFi Stadium.
Mexico’s win was tinged with controversy although, with the ultimate halted by match officers within the closing minutes as a result of homophobic chanting from Mexican followers.
It was the third CONCACAF Nations League ultimate in a row to be stopped as a result of offensive chants which have persevered amongst Mexico’s followers for years regardless of repeated CONCACAF makes an attempt to crack down on them.
Jimenez, 33, transformed the successful 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 influence 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.
“That is what we needed from day one, since ‘Vasco’ (Aguirre) arrived,” Jimenez stated, referring to the Mexico coach by his common nickname.
“These video games are powerful, however we performed the best way we should always have after they tied us, and there now we have it.”
Jimenez’s four-goal contribution to Mexico’s Nations League finals marketing campaign was the most recent chapter in what has been a fairytale return from harm from the veteran Premier League striker.
In 2020, he suffered a life-threatening cranium fracture and mind harm throughout a Premier League match between Arsenal and former membership Wolves, later being instructed by docs it was “a miracle” that he survived.
“It is unbelievable to come back again after what I have been by way of,” Jimenez stated. “That is only a nice instance — you by no means, by no means need to lose the religion. You realize what you’re able to.”
– Panama heartbreak –
The defeat was heartbreaking for Panama, who had surprised america 1-0 within the semi-finals and had been hoping to win their first worldwide match since 1951.
An entertaining first half noticed Panama virtually 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 aim from England-based striker Jimenez.
Roberto Alvarado discovered house down the best flank and curled an excellent cross in behind the Panama defence which Jimenez stooped to nod residence.
Jose Luis Rodriguez virtually acquired 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 assessment, referee Mario Escobar pointed to the spot and Adalberto Carrasquilla duly rammed residence the spot-kick to make it 1-1.
A scrappy second half noticed each groups battle 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 had 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, they usually acquired their reward for a late burst of strain when Cordoba gave away the decisive penalty.
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