🎥 Panama and Mexico to play NL final as USA and Canada silenced
The Concacaf Nations League semi-finals took place on Thursday, with the United States, Canada, Mexico and Panama vying for a spot in the final.
Here is what went down.
Jimenez the hero against Canada
Scorer: Jimenez 1', 76'
Mexico made their intentions known immediately against the Canadians and one man was the difference in a 2-0 win.
It took only 47 seconds for El Tri to find the net as a bit of pinball in the box and a lucky deflection saw the moment fall to Raul Jimenez. One-on-one against Dayne St. Clair, the striker made no mistake for 1-0.
¡Jiménez abre el marcador temprano en el partido! 🇲🇽🤯 pic.twitter.com/7y4K0gpnob
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) March 21, 2025
Canada went on to dominate possession of the ball, but an inability to create genuine chances in front of the net returned to haunt them. The Canucks registered just one shot on target over 90 minutes despite needing a comeback performance.
Jesse Marsch and his squad were later fuming as a VAR call went against them. Derek Cornelius was kicked in the leg, but despite the review of the incident, no penalty was awarded.
Mexico maintained their inch-perfect game plan and blocked virtually every Canadian threat. A sloppy defensive error then awarded Jimenez another chance to score. Stephen Eustaquio's foul handed Mexico a free kick and the Fulham star perfectly picked out the top right corner.
¡Qué GOLAZO de Raúl Jiménez! ✨🇲🇽#CNLFinalspic.twitter.com/keds2uqAfp
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) March 21, 2025
Canada's introduction of Tajon Buchanan and Jacob Shaffelburg added a slight boost in attack, but it was too little too late for the Canucks as Mexico proved the side one better.
Panama shock as USA eliminated
Scorer: Waterman 90+4'
Three-time Nations League winners the United States were eliminated from the competition on home soil after a 1-0 victory from Panama in the final minutes.
Despite the drastic discrepancy in talent, it was a timid affair during the opening 45 minutes. The defending champions truly struggled to find a sense of urgency on the pitch.
Josh Sargent was among the few players on high alert, with an effort hitting the post before he saw another goal ruled out for offside.
The approach from Mauricio Pochettino's men changed after half-time. The United States appeared to play more directly against Panama, and words were clearly exchanged in the dressing room.
8 - Panama has avoided defeat in eight of its last 11 competitive matches against the #USMNT (W3 D5 L3, advancing on penalties twice). Bogey. pic.twitter.com/2X8ufis0ex
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) March 21, 2025
However, despite the best efforts of Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams, there was no creative spark in midfield, which led to things remaining 0-0. By the half-hour mark, the hosts still had only two efforts on target.
Racing against the clock and facing a Panama side that often played with eight players in the box at times, the atmosphere turned tense.
Substitutes entered the match hoping to bring a spark for the USA, and efforts in the dying moments fell short. Patrick Agyemang had a particular impact but was denied by Orlando Mosquera before chipping a second effort over the bar. Weston McKennie was also later denied.
And then, with their one true opportunity over 90 minutes, Panama wrote their own history. Cecilio Waterman was left unmarked in the box and struck into the bottom left corner beyond a diving Matt Turner.
¡Cecilio Waterman la manda al fondo de la red! 🇵🇦💥 pic.twitter.com/8Sh68sLuBE
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) March 21, 2025
The win means there will be a new champion for the first time in this competition’s brief history.
The results mean Panama will face Mexico in the final and the USA will face Canada for third.
📸 Michael Owens - 2025 Getty Images
Topics
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Raúl Jiménez's brace sends Mexico past Canada 2-0, into the CONCACAF Nations League final vs Panama
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