The Mexico national team advanced to the Concacaf Nations League final with a 2–0 win over Canada thanks to a brace from Raúl Jiménez.
For the first time in history, El Tri weren't favored to win against the Maple Leafs in a match played outside of Canadian soil. Considering the quality of Jesse Marsch's side, plus Mexico's recent struggles, this is unquestionably El Tri's best result in years.
An early goal meant Mexico could implement Javier Aguirre's plan. El Tri allowed Canada to control possession and dictate proceedings, aware that they couldn't match the speed and dynamic style of their rivals. Mexico were comfortable sitting back and closing spaces in the final third. Although Canada had the ball and looked to push forward, El Tri's defense held firm, nor was goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón seriously tested. Canada had the ball; Mexico had the goals.
Mexico always looked to push forward with counter-attacks, exploiting space. With Santiago Giménez and Raúl Jiménez, El Tri were happy trusting their in-form strikers to finish the few chances presented to them and that's exactly what happened, with the Fulham man bagging a brace.
With a stout defensive game-plan and timely opportunities that Jiménez took, Mexico earned their spot in Sunday's final against Panama with the first statement win of the Aguirre's third stint as manager and the country's biggest win in years.
Here are three takeaways from Mexico's win over Canada.
