MIAMI: Mexico left it late but overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit with a 4-0 win over Honduras on Tuesday to reach the Final Four of the CONCACAF Nations League. ‘El Tri’ will face Canada in March’s semi-finals in Los Angeles after Jesse Marsch’s team took care of business with a 3-0 (aggregate 4-0) win over Suriname. The other semi will see the United States, who eliminated Jamaica on Monday, face Panama, who knocked out Costa Rica.
Mexico struggled to find a way to break down a determined Honduras in the first half with Edson Alvarez missing a good opportunity when he side-footed wide from a central position in the box. But three minutes before the break, Raul Jimenez found the target, slotting home a low cross from Jesus Orozco. It was all Mexico in the second half and the home side finally drew level on aggregate when Fulham forward Jimenez flicked on a corner which was turned in by the arriving Henry Martin.
Jorge Sanchez then failed to convert a simple tap-in at the back post but within moments he had made amends with the crucial third goal when he chested down Alexis Vargas’ lofted pass and blasted past Edrick Menjivar. Javier Aguirre’s side made sure of the victory in stoppage time when Kervin Arriaga brought down Martin, who rose to fire in the penalty.
Jacob Shaffelburg scored twice as Canada booked their place in the quarter-finals with a convincing 3-0 win over Suriname in Toronto on Tuesday. Leading 1-0 from the first leg, Jonathan David eased any nerves when he opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, turning home after a goalmouth scramble from a corner. Shaffelburg doubled the lead at BMO Field when he raced on to a long ball and when Suriname keeper Etienne Vaessen charged out of his area but missed the ball, the winger simply had to pass into an empty net. Shaffelburg rounded off the win arriving at the back post in perfect time to convert a low cross from Cyle Larin. — AFP