Mexico see off Panama to advance to Concacaf Nations League Semifinals

Two goals from Raul Jimenez ensured Mexico earned a spot in the Concacaf Nations League Semifinals after a 3-0 victory over Panama at Estadio Rommel Fernandez.

Mexico struggled to get going early, and it was Panama who had the first big chance of the game when Guillermo Ochoa was forced to a quick save off a Gabriel Torres effort inside the box.

But El Tri would take the lead in the 13th minute when Raul Jimenez fired Gerardo Martino’s men in front with Mexico’s first big chance of the game.

Mexico then wasted no time in trying to double their lead, with Raul Jimenez forcing Panama goalkeeper Jose Calderon to a series of saves.

El Tri, though, wouldn’t double their lead until the 70th minute. After a rebound following a free kick fell to Raul Jimenez, the Wolverhampton striker found Edson Alvarez inside the box to score the 2-0.

Six minutes later, Mexico made sure of the victory when Uriel Antuna latched on to a long ball into space and earned a penalty. Raul Jimenez stepped up and scored, putting the final score at 3-0 in favor of El Tri in Panama City.

The result sees Mexico guarantee a place in the next round of the Concacaf Nations League and remain perfect with three wins in three matches.

Next, Mexico host Bermuda on Tuesday at the Estadio Nemesio Diez in their last game of the Group Stage Phase.