Mexico 2-1 Panama: Raul Jimenez stars as Mexico edge past Panama to win Nations League title
Raul Jimenez netted two goals as Mexico secured a dramatic 2-1 triumph over Panama, clinching the CONCACAF Nations League title for the first time on Sunday.
The Fulham forward, who had also scored twice in the semi-final against Canada, converted a penalty in stoppage time to conclude an exhilarating final at SoFi Stadium.
However, Mexico's victory was marred by controversy, as the match was interrupted by officials in the final minutes due to homophobic chants from Mexican supporters.
This incident marked the third consecutive CONCACAF Nations League final to be halted because of such offensive behavior, which has been a persistent issue among Mexico's fanbase despite ongoing efforts by CONCACAF to address it.
Jimenez, 33, successfully executed the decisive penalty in the second minute of stoppage time after Panama defender Jose Cordoba unnecessarily handled the ball while attempting to defend a cross.
Following the win, Jimenez expressed his gratitude towards Mexico's coach, Javier Aguirre. Aguirre, 66, began his third term as head coach of the national team in 2024, having previously managed the squad in 2001-2002 and 2009-2010.
"This is what we wanted from day one, since 'Vasco' (Aguirre) arrived," Jimenez said, referring to the Mexico coach by his popular nickname.
"These games are tough, but we played the way we should have when they tied us, and there we have it."
Jimenez's remarkable four-goal performance in Mexico's Nations League finals marked the latest installment in his extraordinary comeback from injury as a seasoned Premier League striker.
In 2020, he endured a severe skull fracture and brain injury during a Premier League game between Arsenal and his former team, Wolves. Medical professionals later described his survival as "a miracle."
"It's fantastic to come back after what I've been through," Jimenez said. "This is just a great example - you never, never have to lose the faith. You know what you are capable of."
The loss was devastating for Panama, who had previously shocked the United States with a 1-0 victory in the semi-finals and were eager to secure their first international tournament title since 1951.
The first half was quite engaging, with Panama nearly taking the lead just six minutes in, as striker Cecilio Waterman fired a low shot straight at Mexico's goalkeeper, Luis Malagon.
However, it was Mexico that struck first just two minutes later, thanks to another goal from England-based striker Jimenez. Roberto Alvarado created an opportunity on the right wing and delivered an excellent cross behind the Panama defense, which Jimenez expertly headed into the net.
Jose Luis Rodriguez nearly equalized for Panama just four minutes before halftime, but his shot aimed at the top corner was expertly saved by Malagon.
Panama did not have to wait long for their equalizer, which came shortly after when Johan Vasquez of Mexico committed a poorly timed challenge on Waterman inside the penalty area.
Although the foul went unnoticed at first, a thorough VAR review led referee Mario Escobar to award a penalty, which Adalberto Carrasquilla confidently converted, leveling the score at 1-1.
The second half was characterized by a lack of clear scoring chances as both teams struggled to find their rhythm, and as extra time approached, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
In the 83rd minute, after repeated warnings from the public address system regarding homophobic chants from Mexico's supporters went unheeded, Escobar paused the match in accordance with CONCACAF protocols aimed at addressing such behavior.
This interruption provided Panama with a chance to regroup; however, it was Mexico that capitalized on the situation, earning a crucial penalty when Cordoba committed a foul under pressure.
SportsLigue