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Raul Jimenez's brace makes the difference as Mexico lift first CONCACAF Nations League trophy with win over Panama

LOS ANGELES - After scoring less than a minute into their semifinal clash with Canada, Mexico needed just a few extra minutes to score in the finale. Again, it was Raul Jimenez who netted the goal to give his side a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute. Panama, though, stayed firm and, ultimately, fired back, netting just before halftime on a goal from Coco Carrasquilla to send the two teams into the locker room level.It stayed that way throughout, with Panama holding strong against waves of Mexican attacks. Finally, they succumbed in the harshest of ways, as Jose Cordoba was called for a handball in the box, allowing Jimenez to step up and bury a penalty kick to win Mexico the trophy.

TELL ME MORE

With the win, Mexico claimed the CONCACAF Nations League title for the first time. Each of the three previous editions had been won by the U.S. men's national team, who had previously beaten Mexico in two of those finals.The USMNT finished fourth in this year's tournament, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/usmnt-player-ratings-vs-canada-complete-implosion-for-maurico-pochettino-and-3-time-concacaf-nations-league-champions-as-usmnt-lose-again-finish-fourth-of-four-in-forgettable-tournament/bltabaa7640da01fc03" target="_self">falling to Canada in the third-place game ahead of Sunday's finale.</a>

DID YOU KNOW?

Jimenez. There can be no doubt as Mexico's talismanic striker stepped up again. There's been chatter about it being time for the 33-year-old to pass the torch, but that chatter was clearly premature. He isn't making way for Santi Gimenez just yet, although this week's 4-4-2 setup did prove that the two can coexist.Jimenez continues to bag big goals for Mexico, and these will feel like they're among his biggest. This team is clearly back on the rise and, even if he is one of the program's more senior members, Jimenez is getting better and better, too.

THE MVP

You have to feel for Cordoba, whose handball couldn't have come at a worse time. Panama, Cordoba included, had defended so bravely all night long, standing strong against everything Mexico threw at them. Then, with one thoughtless wave of his arm, it was all gone. Jimenez stepped up and Panama's tournament dream was over. It's harsh, to put it lightly.

THE BIG LOSER

Both teams will now look ahead to this summer's Gold Cup, having also previously met in the finale of that tournament. Mexico defeated Panama, 1-0, in this same stadium back in 2023, lifting the cup on an 88th-minute goal from Santi Gimenez.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐

Raul Jimenez brace makes the difference as Mexico lift first CONCACAF Nations League trophy with win over Panama | Goal.com South Africa

A Raul Jimenez brace lifted Mexico to their first CONCACAF Nations League trophy with a 2-1 win over Panama in Sunday&apos;s finale.