With a stellar performance guided by coach Javier Aguirre, the Mexican national soccer team found triumph in a hard-fought match against Canada, edging out a 2-0 victory in the semifinals of the Liga de Naciones de Concacaf on March 20, 2025. Raúl Jiménez emerged as the hero of the game, delivering a brilliant double that secured Mexico's place in the final.
The match, held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, showcased Mexico's determination and teamwork. Just 46 seconds in, Jiménez gave Mexico the lead during a quick succession of plays instigated by Johan Vásquez's recovery of the ball and a combination of efforts with Roberto Alvarado. The resilient Jiménez seized an opportunity as the ball deflected off Canadian defenders Alphonso Davies and Moïse Bombito, allowing him to calmly net the first goal against goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
Despite taking an early lead, Mexico faced intense pressure from the Canadian side. The match took a controversial turn in the 8th minute when a possible penalty was not awarded after Edson Álvarez made contact with Derek Cornelius in the penalty area. Canadian players argued fervently, but referee Héctor Martínez opted not to consult VAR.
Canada fought back aggressively, and their power and speed were evident throughout. Stephen Eustaquio and Ismaël Koné led the charge from midfield, serving as constant threats to Mexico's defensive line, which was tested rigorously. Canadian opportunities continued to build, though Mexico occasionally threatened a second goal, including a missed chance by Alvarado when he faced St. Clair one-on-one.
As the half progressed, possession see-sawed between the two teams. A disallowed goal for Mexico in the 38th minute further dampened their momentum as Álvarez was flagged offside after a corner kick. Before the half-time whistle blew, Davies’s free-kick worried Mexican supporters as it nearly turned into a goal.
After the halftime break, both teams opened strongly, but Canada soon regained the upper hand. A fierce effort by Cyle Larin in the 52nd minute described a worrying arc over the Mexican goal after deflection from Vásquez.
In a moment that brought relief for the Mexican squad, Jiménez scored again in the 75th minute. A free kick taken by Jiménez wrong-footed the wall and snuck in just inside the post, providing a 2-0 cushion for Mexico. That goal took the wind out of Canada, who had been pressing to equalize.
The match drew to a close as Mexico defended resolutely against a desperate Canadian push in the dying moments, highlighted by a close call from Moïse Bombito’s header that flew over the crossbar in the 90+3 minute. The result solidified Mexico's advancement to the final, where they will face Panama, who overthrew the United States earlier that day.
Unbeknownst to many, Panama staged a shocking upset by defeating the United States 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Cecilio Waterman scored deep into stoppage time at the 90+4 mark. That victory was historic as it marked Panama's first-ever advancement to the final of the Liga de Naciones de Concacaf. This marked the end of the USA’s dominance in the tournament, having won all previous editions.
For Mexico, this win marks a significant achievement as they reach their third final of the Liga de Naciones, signaling a renewed vigor under Aguirre's leadership. Following a disheartening run in the last tournament, Aguirre's strategic choices, including the daring shift to a 4-4-2 formation, appear to be paying off as players like Jiménez and Álvarez step up in pivotal roles.
In the lineup that Aguirre put together, Álvarez took charge as captain and orchestrated the midfield alongside Erik Lira. The balance of youth and experience was palpable on the field, reflecting Aguirre’s refreshed approach. Coach Aguirre counts on experienced players like Jiménez in the attack, alongside promising talents ready to contribute.
As anticipation builds for the final showdown against Panama, fans are eager to see if Mexico can carve its name into the history books again. What will Aguirre’s men bring to this new challenge? Will Jiménez continue his stellar scoring form? With fervent hopes and optimistic spirits, the journey forward has become more than just a match; it has become a national endeavor aimed at reclaiming their former glory in regional soccer.
