Mexico booked their place in the CONCACAF Nations League final on Thursday after a stormy victory over Costa Rica. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was Mexico’s hero, saving Allan Cruz’s spot kick to give the favourites a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win after the game finished deadlocked at 0-0 after 90 minutes.
Mexico will play the United States in tomorrow’s final after a late goal from Jordan Siebatcheu secured a 1-0 win over Honduras in Thursday’s earlier semi-final.
Switzerland-based striker Siebatcheu headed home Weston McKennie’s flick in the 89th minute to settle a scrappy game. Gregg Berhalter’s US team, however, were made to sweat against a physical Honduras outfit who appeared to be playing for penalties late in the game.
A US squad featuring mostly Europe-based players — including Chelsea star Christian Pulisic, Juventus midfielder McKennie and Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen — dominated for long periods.
But after a bright opening when the Americans created a string of chances, Berhalter’s side faded during a second half marred by stoppages and a flurry of yellow cards. Borussia Dortmund teenager Gio Reyna had two chances early on, and should have scored on 10 minutes after deft footwork took him into space inside the Honduras area. But Reyna dragged his shot wide.
At the other end, Steffen was pressed into action in the 11th minute, saving Honduras striker Anthony Lozano’s long-range shot.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa makes a save against Costa Rica during the semi-finals of the 2021 CONCACAF Nations League in Denver, Colorado, on Thursday. (AFP)
