Former Ajax player Edson Álvarez and Feyenoord player Santiago Giménez played a hero’s role for Mexico in the night from Tuesday to Thursday. The striker provided the assist, allowing Álvarez to score the equalizer (over two matches) in the eleventh minute of injury time. Mexico eventually managed to defeat Honduras in the quarter-finals of the Nations League via penalties.
Mexico had made a bad turn in the first quarter-final match against Honduras. It lost 2-0 on Saturday, meaning the Mexicans had to score at least two to force extra time. Just before half time, Luis Chávez gave the home country the lead, but the second goal took a long time to arrive.
Only in minute 101 did Mexico manage to level the score over two matches. Giménez headed a deflected long ball at the feet of Álvarez and the West Ham United midfielder slotted in to make it 2-0, resulting in extra time.
After the goal, Honduras turned red. First, reserve goalkeeper Enrique Facusse received a red card and later Denil Maldonado was sent off the field. Penalties ultimately had to decide. Giménez immediately hit the first pin, followed by three compatriots. Because Honduras missed twice, Mexico advanced to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League.
The Mexicans have never managed to win that tournament before. Two-time winner America is the next opponent. The other semi-final is between Panama and Jamaica.
This is the position in the Dutch group for the European Championship qualification
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