Mexico and the US Disappointment for Jimenez after reserve role for Nations League final

CONCACAF Nations League Finals between Mexico and USA. That means a final with many familiar faces.

Mexico was clearly too strong for Panama (0-3), thanks in part to former Ajax player Edson Alvarez. The US team, featuring PSV players Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi, defeated Jamaica (3-1) in the semifinals after extra time.

Alvarez leads Mexico to Nations League final

Mexico made the difference just before half-time. Alvarez gave his country a 0-1 lead in the fortieth minute against Panama. The midfielder was crucial again, having already been decisive with his header in the quarter-final against Honduras, heading home in the eleventh minute of injury time. Julian Quinones doubled the lead shortly after that goal. His goal was initially disallowed for offside, but after a VAR check 0-2 still appeared on the scoreboard.

Arbelin Pineda ended all doubts in the second half. With a beautiful lob over the Panamanian goalkeeper, he made the final score 0-3.

For Mexico, PSV striker Hirving Lozano came on half an hour before the end. National coach Jaime Lozano sidelined Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez for the entire match. Gimenez had to warm up several times, but he never came on as a substitute, causing frustration among the striker.

Reaction to Santiago Giménez Después de No Sumer Minutos Contra La Seleccion de Panama 🇵🇦

¿Merecía haber entrado a la cancha del AT&T? 🤐

🎥 TUDN pic.twitter.com/QMuK7vF9Rj

— Luis Omar Tapia (@LuisOmarTapia) March 22, 2024

America passed Jamaica

Team USA got through the needle against Jamaica. With Tillman in the starting lineup, the U.S. trailed within a minute. It looked like the score would be tied for a long time, but coach Greg Berhalter’s team still equalized thanks to a Corey Burke own goal in the 96th minute.

As a result, the nations went to overtime, and America was replaced by Haji Wright. He scored in the 96th and 109th minutes, meaning his side will now face Mexico in the final.

PSV striker Pepi arrived in the US after an hour, but did not score. Sergino missed the quarter-finals of the tournament due to a straight red card against Trinidad and Tobago due to Test suspension.

The final of the CONCACAF Nations League can be seen live on ESPN 1 Sunday night at 2:15 AM.