Edson Álvarez was on the scoresheet as Mexico booked their place in the CONCACAF Nations League final with a 3-0 win over Panama on Thursday night.
The West Ham United midfielder scored the opening goal of an ultimately comfortable night for El Tri in the United States, as his team continue their hunt for a first Nations League title.
Following their quarter-final win over Honduras in November, Mexico had to wait until five minutes before the interval to break the deadlock against Panama, but once Álvarez had found the net, heading home following a wide free-kick, the final outcome was never in doubt.
Just three minutes later Julián Quiñones doubled the advantage, while a third from AEK Athens winger Orbelín Pineda confirmed the victory midway through the second half.
Álvarez collected the Man of the Match award for his performance, which upped his goal tally to five in 75 Mexico caps.
¡Cabezazo imparable para abrir el marcador! 💥 pic.twitter.com/MPI4WGzu8N
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) March 22, 2024
In Thursday's other semi-final, hosts the United States needed an injury time leveller to force extra-time before going on to defeat Jamaica 3-1.
Mexico will now face the US, also at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in Sunday's final.
The United States have won both previous editions of the CONCACAF Nations League, with Mexico looking to avenge their final defeat in the inaugural 2019/20 campaign.
