Mexico take bronze in CONCACAF Nations League

Mexico coach Diego Cocca's future has been brought into question after the poor display in Thursday's 3-0 defeat to the U.S and it was an unusually low turnout of Mexican fans for the sparsely attended game.

Jesus Gallardo fired Mexico ahead in the fourth minute of the game with a drive into the bottom corner after a low cross had evaded the Panama defence. Panama responded positively with Alberto Quintero forcing Mexico's veteran keeper Guillermo Ochoa into a low save with a firm effort.

Ozziel Herrera had a great chance to double the lead for Eli Tri but he blasted high over from a promising position in the 38th minute. Luis Chavez had Panama keeper Luis Mejia at full-stretch in the 53rd minute as Mexico looked to put the game to bed.

There was bitter disappointment for Panama when Anibal Godoy fired in a brilliant overhead kick, chesting the ball down before his acrobatic shot. The team celebrated with a choreographed rowing routine before VAR turned party-pooper, ruling out the goal for offside. Panama had another potential equaliser, this time a close-range effort from Ismael Diaz, flagged for offside.

VAR intervened again to overturn a penalty award for Mexico after ruling that Santiago Gimenez went down too easily under challenge from Edgar Barcenas. But Mexico had plenty of chances to seal their victory with a second but a combination of hesitant finishing and Mejia's alertness denied them.

Later on Sunday, the USA beat Canada to take a second consecutive CONCACAF Nations League trophy.

 

June 19, 2023