Mexico Fans Celebrate Winning 2023 Gold Cup Title After Beating Panamá in Final
Jul 17, 2023
Mexico's forward Henry Martin (C) celebrates scoring a goal which was later disallowed after a VAR review during the Concacaf 2023 Gold Cup final football match between Mexico and Panama at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on July 16, 2023. (Photo by RINGO CHIU / AFP) (Photo by RINGO CHIU/AFP via Getty Images)
For the first 88 minutes of the 2023 Gold Cup between Mexico and Panamรก, the score was knotted at zero.
As fans, media and enthusiasts alike were preparing for extra time, Mexico wanted to take it in regulation.
Santiago Gimรฉnez received a pass at midfield, made a juke move around the defenders and broke toward the net. He had leverage for a powerful blast but instead opted to use a change-up kick.
GIMรNEZ IN THE 88TH MINUTE TO GIVE MEXICO THE LEAD IN THE GOLD CUP FINAL!!!! ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฝ pic.twitter.com/bScggtL68p
The ball trickled into the back of the net and Mexico took home the trophy. While the hysterics in the final minute made for a great ending, Mexico did score a goal earlier that was disallowed, making the victory tally even sweeter.
After a VAR review, this goal does not stand for Mexico
VIVA LA MEXICO ๐ฒ๐ฝ WINNING THE GOLD CUP championship ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ pic.twitter.com/BO6CwcszOP
— BRANDON. lets go BRANDON (@BRANDON5050O) July 17, 2023
Best gold cup copa de oro final i seen in a longggg time
— ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐น๐น๐ป๐ฎ (@yomvriii) July 17, 2023
Beautiful world class gooooooool by by late sub Santiago Gimรฉnez to give El Tri a 1-0 championship victory over Los Canaleros. Mexico wins its 9th Gold Cup and defeats a spirited team in Panama. https://t.co/dZwjgPymnr
What does Gregg Berhalter's reported return to the USMNT actually mean?
USMNT's Nations League Win vs. Mexico Ends Early Due to Fans' Anti-Gay Chants
Jun 16, 2023
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 15: USA starting eleven in a huddle during a CONCACAF Nations League game between Mexico and United States at Allegiant Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
The United States men's national team's 3-0 Concacaf Nations League semifinal victory over Mexico ended early during stoppage time in the second half after referee Ivan Barton halted the game following continued anti-gay chants by some fans at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, capping an ugly evening in which he handed out four red cards and patrons threw trash on the field.
As ESPN's Cesar Hernandez noted, Barton initially halted play in the 89th minute to activate the anti-discrimination protocol. A warning went out to the crowd, stating that the match could be abandoned if there was further chanting.
With four minutes left during the 12-minute stoppage time period, some fans again chanted an anti-gay slur at United States goalkeeper Matt Turner during a goal kick. The match then stopped early.
"It goes against everything that we stand for, on our side," Turner said, per Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times.
"We've been very open and vocal about, you know, the strength of our nation being its diversity. So, to use something so divisive during a game, a spirited game...it has no place in the game."
Concacaf released a statement post-match, saying the "incidents were extremely disappointing" and that they "tarnished what should have been a positive occasion to showcase high quality football in our region."
As Hernandez noted, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has had issues recently stopping fans from yelling the anti-gay chant at opposing goalkeepers during goal kicks. FIFA even issued a $108,000 sanction when the chant was heard at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
U.S. Soccer passed new policies on anti-discriminatory chants last year, and Alex Reimer of Outsports reported on some of the more extreme consequences after "a source close to U.S. Soccer" shared some details:
"In order to hold promoters accountable, U.S. Soccer is mandating they post a bond equal to the lesser of 10% of the anticipated paid gate of the match or $1 million. If the promoter doesn't take appropriate action to stop bigoted chants, U.S. Soccer will use the liquidated damages to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives.
"In addition, promoters won't be able to hold international contests for two years after the first violation. The ban extends to five years after a second violation, and becomes indefinite if a third violation occurs."
Cyd Zeigler of Outsports called out the offensive behavior Thursday but also noted United States Soccer's inaction in stopping the matter from getting worse.
"It's become a ridiculous joke. US Soccer has claimed that they are taking this seriously, though they have taken absolutely zero punitive actions to curb the chant," he said. "They had the opportunity to act on a friendly in April, but their inaction has emboldened Mexico fans for this match."
Zeigler called for a two-year ban of Mexico playing in the U.S.
The #USAvMEX match has been suspended as Mexico fans refused to stop chanting a gay slur.
THANK YOU! Now ban Mexico from playing in the United States for the next 2 years.https://t.co/wtWKxvpRWO
Mexico center back Cรฉsar Montes was shown a red card after a hard tackle on striker Folarin Balogun from behind. The two teams then engaged in a scuffle on the field, and trash was thrown onto the pitch from the stands.
USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie was then sent off after defending his teammate, notably putting his hand on the throat of defender Jorge Sรกnchez. His jersey was ripped off in the process.
Later in the half, USMNT full back Sergiรฑo Dest and Mexico defender Gerardo Arteaga were shown red cards after a confrontation occurred following midfielder Edson รlvarez's foul on the American.
— CBS Sports Golazo โฝ๏ธ (@CBSSportsGolazo) June 16, 2023
The ugliness got far worse from there, to the point where the match wasn't even completed.
The tournament will conclude Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET when Canada plays the United States in the final.
Tata Martino Resigns as Mexico Manager After 2022 World Cup Elimination
Dec 1, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 30: Gerardo Martino, Head Coach of Mexico, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico at Lusail Stadium on November 30, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Gerardo "Tata" Martino announced his resignation as manager of the Mexico men's national team shortly after his team was eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.
"I am the first responsible for this terrible disappointment and frustration that we have," Martino told reporters. "As the person in charge, it causes a lot of sadness. I fully assume responsibility for this great failure.
"My contract ended as soon as the referee blew the final whistle and there is nothing more to be done."
Mexico earned a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, but the squad finished behind Argentina and Poland in Group C. Both Mexico and Poland had four points in three matches, but Poland advanced based on goal differential.
It's the first time Mexico has been eliminated in the group stage of a World Cup since 1978.
Mexico had reached the round of 16 in each of the last seven World Cups, although the squad has failed to advance to the quarterfinal during this stretch.
There were higher expectations on Martino when he joined Mexico in 2019. The 60-year-old had previous international experience with Argentina.
Martino also managed top players at Barcelona and found success in MLS with Atlanta United.
The manager didn't reach his goals with Mexico, however, losing to the United States at both the Gold Cup and Nations League final. The team also had a difficult time during World Cup qualifying, finishing behind Canada in the CONCACAF table.
Mexico didn't fare much better at the World Cup, failing to score in its first two matches while earning just one point against Poland and Argentina. El Tri finally found their form against Saudi Arabia, but they needed one more goal to pass Poland in the standings.
Martino faced significant criticism throughout his tenure with Mexico, including when he left Javier "Chicharito" Hernรกndez off the World Cup roster, but now the team must look elsewhere as it tries to rebuild.
Mexico has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup as a co-host alongside the United States and Canada.
Soccer Fans React in Disbelief as Mexico Exits 2022 World Cup on Goal Differential
Nov 30, 2022
Mexico's Hector Moreno and goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera react at the end of the World Cup group C soccer match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico, at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022. Mexico won 2-1 but failed to advance in the tournament. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Mexico had advanced to seven consecutive knockout stages at the World Cup coming into the 2022 edition of soccer's premier event. On Wednesday, goal differential kept them from making it eight.
Mexico beat Saudi Arabia 2-1, finishing with four points in Group C play. And while Poland lost to Argentina 2-0, leveling them with Mexico in points, it was Poland's even goal differential that gave them the slimmest of margins to advance over El Tri (minus-1 on goal differential).
The drama in the waning moments was intense. Into stoppage time, Mexico held a 2-0 lead and Poland lost 2-0, and both teams were even at that moment in goal differential, overall goals scored and the head-to-head matchup (the teams played to a scoreless draw).
That meant the next tiebreaker was fair play, and Poland were set to advance because of receiving one less yellow card than Mexico in the group stage.
The tiebreaker situation changed somewhat when Salem Aldawsari scored in stoppage time for Saudi Arabia, giving Poland the goal differential advantage.
The calculus didn't change for Mexico, as a third goal would have even goal differential again, given them the edge in total goals and sent them to the knockout phase.
But it wasn't to be, leaving fans shocked by the sheer drama of Mexico's heartbreaking World Cup exit:
Mexico is eliminated. A brutal 2 years of soccer for Mexico - Lost Gold Cup - Lost Nations League - Failed to qualify for the U-20 WC - Failed to qualify for 2024 Olympics - Seattle defeats two Liga MX teams en route to CCL title - Run of 6-WC run of reaching the knockouts ends
Thought Poland were the worst of the four sides on performances in that group which makes Mexico and Saudi Arabia's elimination a bit more annoying but what a group, what a set of fixtures.
Brilliant night of football. Argentine were very good against a poor Poland side. Treat to watch Messi's beautiful cameo. Poland fans here at Stadium 974 crying tears of happiness after news that they sneaked through ahead of Mexico into the second round.
For neutral fans, this was an incredible spectacle to watch unfold. Would Mexico or Argentina get that third goal to see El Tri through? Would Poland get one more yellow card to send the tiebreakers to a random draw?
The tension was palpable.
But for Mexico, it's an unmitigated disaster, and one that might close the Tata Martino era. The Mexican manager reportedly will not renew his contract with the team, according to Mediotiempo (h/t Marca), which would make this match his last for El Tri.
But outside of Mexico, Wednesday's drama was great fun, and a reminder of why the World Cup is truly one of a kind.
World Cup 2022 Scores: Wednesday's Results and Thursday's Schedule
Nov 30, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 30: Julian Alvarez of Argentina and Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina celebrate during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Poland and Argentina at Stadium 974 on November 30, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Getty Images)
The second advancement spot out of Group C at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar went down to the final seconds of the third group-stage games on Wednesday afternoon.
Poland lost 2-0 to Argentina, but a late concession by Mexico in its 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia allowed Poland to go through on goal differential.
For about 20 minutes, which felt like an eternity to both teams, Poland appeared to be headed through on the fair-play tiebreaker with two fewer yellow cards than Mexico.
Saudi Arabia's 95th-minute goal made the math as simple as it could be for the Poles, who took second behind Argentina in Group C.
Argentina may have scored four or five goals in its win over Poland, but Wojciech Szczฤsny had other plans for the Albiceleste.
Argentina finally broke the deadlock out of halftime and surged in front to win Group C and set up a round-of-16 clash with Group D runner-up Australia. Poland faces Group D winner France to start the knockout round.
Australia used a victory over Denmark to gain an advantage over Denmark and Tunisia behind France in Group D's final two games, which were far less chaotic than the two in play in Group C.
Updated Round of 16 Matchups
Saturday: Netherlands vs. USA, 10 a.m. ET
Saturday: Argentina vs. Australia, 2 p.m. ET
Sunday: France vs. Poland, 10 a.m. ET
Sunday: England vs. Senegal, 2 p.m. ET
Group C
1. Argentina - 6 points
2. Poland - 4 (advanced on goal differential)
3. Mexico - 4
4. Saudi Arabia - 3
Wednesday Results
Argentina 2, Poland 0
Mexico 2, Saudi Arabia 1
The Group C drama escalated at the start of the second half in each game.
Argentina seized a lead over Poland through Alexis Mac Allister in the 46th minute.
A goal that Alexis Mac Allister will never forget ๐ฆ๐ท
Mexico then pulled ahead of Saudi Arabia in the 47th minute through a Henry Martin goal off a corner kick. El Tri scored again five minutes later on one of the best goals of the tournament. Luis Chรกvez struck a free kick from outside the box directly into the top right corner of the net.
Juliรกn รlvarez then pulled Argentina ahead by two goals with his 67th-minute strike. That goal put Mexico and Poland level on every tiebreaker except for fair play.
Saudi Arabia then ended Mexico's time in Qatar for certain with a 95th-minute strike off the boot of Salem Al-Dawsari, who scored against Argentina earlier in the tournament.
Al-Dawsari's goal did not mean anything for Saudi Arabiaโall it did was confirm that Poland would go through over Mexico.
Argentina's group win means it plays Australia on Saturday in the same side of the bracket as the United States and the Netherlands. Poland plays France on Sunday.
Group D
1. France - 6
2. Australia - 6
3. Tunisia - 4
4. Denmark - 1
Wednesday Results
Tunisia 1, France 0
Australia 1, Denmark 0
The key events in Group D took place within a few minutes of each other at the Al Janoub Stadium and Education City Stadium.
Tunisia struck for the first goal of the day through Wahbi Khazri in the 58th minute against France.
Tunisia was in second place in Group D for only a few minutes because Australia answered right away with its goal vs. Denmark.
Mathew Leckie cut a rolling shot past a diving Kasper Schmeichel to place the Socceroos into second place, where they remained after 30 nervy minutes in both games.
Australia held on to a clean sheet that was in part recorded because of its strong defensive play, led by center back Harry Souttar, and in part because Denmark could not put many significant chances on goal.
Denmark put just four of its 15 shots on target and none of the strikers it brought on to save it from elimination were particularly good. Denmark needed a win, and therefore two goals in 30 minutes, to hang on to its hopes of staying in Qatar.
Tunisia's 1-0 lead somehow held on through the final minute against France. The French rotated nine players into their starting lineup and looked disjointed throughout the first 60 minutes.
Kylian Mbappรฉ, Ousmane Dembรฉlรฉ and Antoine Griezmann changed the game when they entered the field. Tunisia could not get out of its own end in the final 30 minutes. The African side needed to hold on to the win and for Denmark to come back to have a chance of moving on.
Just as Australia confirmed its spot in the final 16, Tunisia conceded to Griezmann, but after a lengthy video review, the goal was ruled out and Tunisia left the World Cup with an historic win over France.
The Frenchmen topped the group despite the loss because its goal differential was four goals better than Australia's.
Mexico's hopes of advancing to the knockout round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup are on life support. El Tri earned one point from their first two games in Qatar...
The Group C showdown between Argentina and Mexico was always going to be one of the most important group-stage matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The stakes...
World Cup 2022 Scores: Tuesday's Group Results and Wednesday's Schedule
Nov 22, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 22: Salem Al-Dawsari of Saudi Arabia celebrates victory while Angel Di Maria of Argentina shows dejection after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium on November 22, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The third day of the 2022 FIFA World Cup was bookended by a stunning loss from one of the pre-tournament favorites and a win by the reigning champion.
Argentina kicked off the four-game slate with a stunning 2-1 defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia. Lionel Messi scored for the South American side, but that was an afterthought following the pair of goals netted by Saudi Arabia in the second half.
For 25 minutes, France was on edge in the final match of the day, but the reigning World Cup champion rebounded in fine fashion to beat Australia 4-1.
In between those two results were a pair of scoreless draws between Denmark and Tunisia in Group D and Mexico and Poland in Group C.
France is in great shape to win its group because of the Denmark-Tunisia tie, and while Argentina will be disappointed with its result, it still sits in good shape because Mexico and Poland failed to capitalize.
Group C
1. Saudi Arabia - 3 points (2 goals for, 1 goal against, +1 goal differential)
2. Mexico - 1 (0 GF, 0 GA, 0 GD)
3. Poland - 1 (0 GF, 0 GA, 0 GD)
4. Argentina - 0 (1 GF, 2 GA, -1 GD)
Saudi Arabia produced one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history to open up Tuesday's four-game slate.
Not only did Saudi Arabia beat Argentina, but it did so in come-from-behind fashion with two goals in the second half.
Salem Al-Dawsari delivered the game-winning goal in the 53rd minute on a brilliant strike that flew into the top right-hand corner.
The pair of Saudi goals came after Argentina controlled the first half.
Lionel Messi opened his 2022 World Cup account with a 10th-minute penalty. La Albiceleste thought that would be the first of many on Tuesday, but three Argentina goals in the first half were ruled out for offside and the South American side had trouble breaking down the Saudi defense in the second half.
Mexico and Poland failed to take advantage of Argentina's slip-up later on Tuesday. The two sides played to a scoreless draw.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made the biggest play of the game when he stopped a Robert Lewandowski penalty.
Entering Tuesday, a scoreless draw would not have been the worst result for Mexico and Poland. Both teams were expected to beat Saudi Arabia and scrap for points against Argentina to make it to the knockout round.
Now that Saudi Arabia looks a bit tougher than projected, the draw looks bad for both teams because it feels like a missed opportunity on both sides.
Lewandowski and Poland will test the strengths of the Saudis on Saturday, while Mexico takes on Argentina later in the day.
Group D
1. France - 3 (4 GF, 1 GA, +3 GD)
2. Tunisia - 1 (0 GF, 0 GA, 0 GD)
3. Denmark - 1 (0 GF, 0 GA, 0 GD)
4, Australia - 0 (1 GF, 4 GA, -3 GD)
Australia presented France with an early scare when Craig Goodwin opened the scoring in the ninth minute.
The Aussie goal set off some alarm bells because of a recent trend that has plagued recent World Cup winners. The three champions before France failed to make it out of the group stage in their title defense.
France did not panic, and it found the back of the net twice before halftime. Adrien Rabiot headed home the equalizer in the 27th minute to begin France's dominance.
Olivier Giroud scored in the 32nd minute and then again in the 71st minute. Kylian Mbappe opened his account with a goal in the 68th minute.
With his second goal, Giroud tied Thierry Henry for the most goals scored for the France men's national team.
OLIVIER GIROUD ๐ฅ
With this goal he ties Thierry Henry for the most goals in France men's national team history ๐๐ pic.twitter.com/3GOz3FqUrF
Giroud can eclipse Henry on the French scoring chart against Denmark on Saturday.
The Danes played to a scoreless draw with Tunisia in the first of two Group D games that were played on Tuesday.
Denmark produced six shots on goal, but it could not find a breakthrough against the African side. Tunisia will try to carry over the momentum gained from the draw into Saturday's clash with Australia.
