Raul Jimenez brace seals Mexico’s first Concacaf Nations League title

Raul Jimenez scored twice as Mexico clinched their first-ever Concacaf Nations League title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Panama on Sunday.

The Fulham striker, who had also netted a brace in Mexico’s semifinal win over Canada, sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty in a thrilling final at SoFi Stadium.

However, Mexico’s triumph was overshadowed by controversy, as the match was briefly halted in the final minutes due to homophobic chanting from the Mexican fans.

This marks the third consecutive Concacaf Nations League final to be interrupted by offensive chants, a troubling issue that has persisted despite repeated efforts from Concacaf to curb such behaviour.

Raul Jimenez stepped up to convert the decisive penalty in the second minute of stoppage time after Panama’s Jose Cordoba inexplicably raised his arm to block a cross, conceding a handball.

Following the victory, Jimenez praised Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, for his impact on the team.

Aguirre is currently in his third stint as the national coach, having previously led the side in 2001-2002 and 2009-2010.

“This is what we wanted from day one, since ‘Vasco’ (Aguirre) arrived,” Raul Jimenez said, referring to the Mexico coach by his popular nickname.

“These games are tough, but we played the way we should have when they tied us, and there we have it.”