Mexico punched its ticket to the Concacaf Nations League semifinals and the 2021 Gold Cup with its victory on Friday.
Tata Martino’s side ran away with a 3-0 road win over Panama, sealing a berth in the next round of the competition. Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez scored in each half, while Edson Alvarez also found the back of the net.
Jimenez needed just eight minutes to net the opening goal in Panama City. The striker’s low effort found the bottom-left corner, giving El Tri an early advantage on the road.
Panama came close prior to Jimenez’s opener but Guillermo Ochoa got down to save Gabriel Torres’ low drive from point-blank range.
Jimenez also came close to doubling El Tri’s lead with a header, but Mexico had to wait until the final stage of the match to pad its lead.
Edson Alvarez sent a flicked effort in the 70th minute past Jose Calderon, after Jimenez sent a low cross into the box. It was a nice finish from the Ajax man who gave Mexico a deserved second goal.
¡Goool de @miseleccionmx! 🇲🇽🎉
¡Goool de @miseleccionmx! 🇲🇽🎉
¡Goool de @miseleccionmx! 🇲🇽🎉Servicio de @Raul_Jimenez9 y @EdsonAlvarez19 se encarga de mandarla al fondo⚽🔥
🔴EN VIVO 🔗📲🖥 https://t.co/mtx6IcnxuR #PasiónPorTuSelección | #CNL | #ConcacafNationsLeague pic.twitter.com/KSJmK8E9Ga
— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) November 16, 2019
Jimenez sealed the lopsided win as he scored from the penalty spot. Uriel Antuna was bundled over after racing into the box, allowing Jimenez to record his third point of the night.
Mexico can end the group stage undefeated if they defeat Bermuda on Nov. 19th, while the visitors need a point to jump ahead of Panama and into second place.