The CONCACAF Nations League knockout rounds continue this evening as big-boys Canada and Mexico look to book their spots in the last-four.
Here is what went down.
Scorers: Jiménez 42′, Martín 72′, 90+7′ (P), Sánchez 78′
Mexico came roaring back to erase a two-goal deficit on aggregate and book their spot in the semifinals.
El Tri’s first-leg frustrations appeared to carry over to the second as they struggled to clinical in front of goal, but the dam finally broke just before the break thanks to a Raúl Jiménez goal that got the hosts rolling.
While it took some time to find the second, they eventually did when second-half sub Henry Martín guided home a deflected cross to level the score on aggregate.
But the tie was ultimately won before the full-time whistle to complete the back thanks to a delicate control and finish from Jorge Sánchez at the back-post, sending the home crowd wild.
A late Henry Martín penalty was the icing on the cake of Mexico’s thrashing, ensuring El Tri’s place in the last-four.
Scorers: David 23′, Shaffelburg 30′, 67′
Canada booked their passage with a comfortable second-leg win against Suriname in Toronto.
Two goals in seven minutes from Jonathan David and Jacob Shaffelburg respectively before the half-hour mark saw Jesse Marsch’s side get off and running, and they did not look back from there.
While they perhaps felt they should have found the net a few more times, Shaffelburg continued his hot-streak with a second goal on the night to put the home side out of sight, and secure his first ever international brace.
ALFREDO ESTRELLA – AFP or licensors