Mexico secured a spot in the final of the Concacaf Nations League by defeating Canada 2-0 at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on March 20, 2025. Raúl Jiménez was the hero for the Mexicans, scoring both goals that propelled them to victory.
The match started dramatically for Mexico. Just 46 seconds into the game, Jiménez capitalized on a fortuitous rebound from an attempted shot by Roberto Alvarado, slotting the ball into the net for an early 1-0 lead. This quick strike seemed to set the tone for the match, as Mexico was able to maintain its composure against a Canadian side that had shown significant prowess in recent matches.
Canada, who had not lost since the 2024 Copa América final against Uruguay, tried to regain its footing after conceding the early goal. They sought to impose their physical play and maintain possession, recording 57% of the ball. However, despite their attempts, the Canadian projection yielded only one shot on target during the entire match. Mexico's defense, led effectively by Edson Álvarez and Johan Vásquez, stood firm.
The contest was not without drama. Canada protested a potential penalty when Álvarez was accused of fouling Derek Cornelius in the box, but referee Héctor Martínez did not award it. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review was not utilized on this occasion, frustrating the Canadian side.
Javier Aguirre, coach of the Mexican team, made strategic adjustments throughout the match. He pushed forward with both Raúl Jiménez and Santiago Giménez at the front line, though they struggled to click effectively together. Changes in the second half saw Luis Romo and César Huerta replace Charly Rodríguez and Alexis Vega, aiming to bolster midfield control.
In the 75th minute, Jiménez struck again from a free kick, executing a perfect shot that flew around the wall and nestled into the bottom corner of the goal. This spectacular goal made it 2-0 and sealed Mexico's place in the final.
Amidst the celebration, Jiménez also reached a significant milestone, bringing his total tally for the national team to 37 goals, just one shy of Cuauhtémoc Blanco’s record. His performance highlights not only his importance to the national team but also the improvement shown by the squad under Aguirre's leadership.
Mexico now prepares to face Panama in the final on March 23, 2025, after Panama's stunning victory over the United States in the other semifinal match. As the anticipation builds, fans are eager to see if Mexico can secure its first title in the Concacaf Nations League.
This victory against Canada is especially significant since it marks Mexico’s return to the finals of the competition after previously losing to the United States. The win relieves some pressure and signifies a resurgence for the national team.
In summary, Mexico showcased resilience and tactical awareness in the semifinal against Canada. As they look forward to the final against Panama, there is a renewed sense of hope among players and supporters alike that this could be their year to lift the trophy.
