Mexico edge Honduras to set up Gold Cup final showdown with U.S.
Mexico had the lion's share of possession but lacked quality in the final third. They were rewarded for their efforts when 16-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora delivered a great pass to Jimenez, who fired an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar in the 50th minute to put Mexico ahead.
Mora continued to show flashes of brilliance as he laid another ball for Roberto Alvarado moments later but the winger missed the chance to make it 2-0 for Mexico, who had moved up a gear and managed to keep Honduras quiet after the interval.
Edson Alvarez thought he had doubled Mexico's lead three minutes after the opener with a simple tap-in following a set piece, but the defensive midfielder's effort was ruled offside after a lengthy VAR check.
WATCH | 10-man Canada stunned on penalties by Guatemala in Gold Cup quarters:
Canada falls to Guatemala in penalties at Gold Cup quarterfinals
4 days ago
Duration 1:23
After a 1-1 draw in regulation, José Morales scored in the 7th round of penalties giving Guatemala the victory over Canada at the Gold Cup in Minneapolis Sunday.
Mexico are chasing a record-extending 10th Gold Cup title, while the U.S. are eyeing an eighth crown. The U.S. beat Guatemala 2-1 in the first semi-final on Wednesday. The U.S. last won the continental tournament in 2021.
"It's a 'Clasico', CONCACAF's direct rival. We have to win the 'Clasico' – I learned that from America – it will be a war," Mexico goalkeeper Luis Malagon said.
The Gold Cup final will be played at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday.
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