In the 88th minute of the match, Santiago Giménez showcased his electrifying speed by sprinting past defenders and scoring, securing Mexico record ninth CONCACAF Gold Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Panama on Sunday night.
The sequence leading up to the goal against Panama began when Edson Álvarez executed a sliding block to prevent Iván Anderson’s cross from reaching its target in the Mexico penalty area. Orbelín Pineda skillfully dribbled away with the ball and delivered a precise pass to the center circle.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, the 22-year-old forward from Feyenoord maneuvered past defenders Harold Cummings and Fidel Escobar as he sprinted into the penalty area. With a cleverly placed scuffed shot, Giménez found the back of the net, securing his fourth international goal in 18 appearances.
Santiago Giménez’s goal, scored by the Argentina-born player, ignited a frenzied celebration among the sold-out crowd at SoFi Stadium. The stadium was filled with passionate fans rejoicing in Mexico’s remarkable comeback during this biennial Concacaf tournament.
“Today the atmosphere was like a World Cup, it wasn’t like a Gold Cup,” said interim coach Jaime Lozano after the win. “The truth is that it fills me with joy, with excitement.”
In the 33rd minute, Mexico appeared to have broken the deadlock with a goal from Henry Martin, but it was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Just before the halftime break, Mexico had another promising opportunity, but Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera again denied them.
Following their disappointing performance in the World Cup, which marked their worst showing in nearly 50 years, Mexico made a strong comeback in this tournament under the guidance of interim manager Lozano. Lozano took charge of the struggling team just a month ago.
Mexico 1-0 Panama: Lozano talks about his future with El Tri
“I signed a contract for the Gold Cup, I believe that starting now I’m free [to sign with anyone],” Lozano said regarding his future with Mexico. “I don’t know if it’s in a few weeks or months, but a decision will need to be made, and from my part, whenever I can help the national team, I’m available.”
Mexico dominant performance against Panama was seen throughout the tournament, conceding only two goals, solidified their status as the most successful team in Gold Cup history. With nine titles, Mexico surpasses the combined total of all other nations, including the U.S. with seven titles and Canada with one. Unfortunately, Panama fell short in their quest for their first-ever Gold Cup victory.
Giménez’s decisive goal marked the end of Panama’s remarkable Gold Cup journey. They caused an upset by defeating the U.S. in the semifinals, earning their third appearance in the final. However, despite creating several promising scoring opportunities, they couldn’t find a way past the experienced Mexican goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa.
Lozano, who previously guided Mexico’s Olympic team to a bronze medal in Tokyo two years ago, was appointed to lead the Gold Cup campaign by Juan Carlos Rodríguez, who assumed the role of Mexican Football Federation president just a month prior.
Although the Gold Cup is known for featuring weakened national teams, Mexico entered the final with eight starters who also played in the World Cup. Their dominance was evident with 14 shots in the first half alone before ultimately finding the back of the net to secure the victory.
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