Mexico secured a place in the Concacaf Gold Cup final after a narrow 1-0 win over Honduras on Wednesday night at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Veteran striker Raul Jimenez scored the game’s only goal early in the second half, helping El Tri move one step closer to claiming a record-extending 10th Gold Cup title. They will now face fierce rivals the United States, who earlier defeated Guatemala 2-1 in the other semifinal.
Despite dominating possession throughout the match, Mexico struggled to convert their control into clear-cut chances during a cagey first half. However, the breakthrough came just five minutes into the second period when 16-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora picked out Jimenez with a precise pass. The experienced forward made no mistake, smashing an unstoppable shot beyond Honduras goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar.
Mexico thought they had doubled their lead shortly afterward when Edson Alvarez tapped home from close range following a set-piece routine. But the goal was chalked off after a prolonged VAR check deemed him marginally offside.
Still, the single-goal cushion proved enough as Mexico held firm to book their place in Sunday’s highly anticipated final against the U.S., setting up another chapter in one of international football’s fiercest rivalries.
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