Mexico 3-1 Panama: El Tri overcome spirited visitor to stay perfect

Jose Juan Macias came off the bench to see Mexico past Panama in Group B on Tuesday.

Published : Oct 16, 2019 09:24 IST

Roberto Alvarado celebrates Mexico's goal
Roberto Alvarado celebrates Mexico's goal
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Roberto Alvarado celebrates Mexico's goal

Mexico overcame a spirited Panama side 3-1 to remain perfect in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Panama had frustrated an initially dominant Mexico team after Carlos Salcedo's 42nd-minute own goal cancelled out Roberto Alvarado's opener on Tuesday.

However, Jose Juan Macias came off the bench to restore Mexico's lead 15 minutes from the end and Rodolfo Pizarro made sure of the win in the second minute of stoppage time in the Group B clash.

Mexico, which crushed Bermuda 5-1 in its Nations League opener, controlled proceedings from the outset against Panama at Estadio Azteca.

 

El Tri put the ball in the back of the net in the 23rd minute after Carlos Rodriguez's shot was parried into the path of Hirving Lozano but it was ruled out for offside.

Lozano was in the thick of the action again as he rattled the crossbar with a ferocious long-range attempt four minutes later.

Mexico did get its goal a minute later, when Alvarado curled a shot past Panama goalkeeper Luis Mejia.

After Lozano flashed a shot wide of the post approaching the interval, Panama equalised against the run of play with three minutes remaining prior to half-time.

The sliding Salcedo attempted to block a cross into the six-yard box, but the Mexico defender unfortunately turned the ball into his own net.

Panama surged forward and almost took a 53rd-minute lead as Mexico goalkeeper Raul Gudino stood tall to deny Jose Rodriguez.

The lively Lozano was forced from the field with a foot injury in a huge blow for Mexico and Napoli after the hour.

But Mexico eased the tension within the stadium as the spirited Panama side came unstuck in the 75th minute after Macias received the ball on the edge of the area and fired a shot through the hands of Mejia, while Pizarro sealed the points in the 92nd minute with a shot into the top corner.

What does it mean? El Tri stay top

It was not straightforward, but Mexico made it two wins from two matches in Group B on Tuesday. The home side did not have it its own way, though it now finds itself three points clear.

Napoli left sweating over Lozano

Serie A title hopeful Napoli will be praying Lozano's injury is not too serious. The Mexico star was carried off the field on a stretcher with 24 minutes remaining due to an ankle injury.

Panama impresses away from home

Not much was expected from Panama, which had only won three of its previous 20 games. However, the visitor was great value after recovering from an early deficit, albeit in fortuitous circumstances.

What's next?

Mexico and Panama will lock horns again on November 15, with the latter welcoming El Tri to its country.

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