Mexico claimed three crucial points in a 1-0 win over Panama in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday as Raul Jimenez scored the deciding goal from the penalty spot.
Mexico had a slow start due to issues in the midfield and several wrong passes, complicating matters for manager Gerardo Martino and his side at the Estadio Azteca.
Panama took advantage of Mexico's lack of chemistry and advanced during the first half, creating some dangerous chances against the home team. However, the match was goalless after the halftime whistle.
Mexico entered the field running into the second half and scored early through an opportunity from Jiménez, but it was correctly dismissed by a VAR check in the 49th minute. Replays showed Hirving Lozano's cross came from just inches outside the endline.
Unfortunately for Lozano, the winger suffered a shoulder injury that took him off the field in the 66th minute. The Napoli player was taken out of the stadium in an ambulance, and according to initial reports, he may have sustained a shoulder injury.
However, Mexico's fortunes began to turn after Martino made some significant substitutions.
With Lozano injured, Diego Lanez was brought in in the 66th minute and made an impact immediately moving forward. Julian Araujo and Jesus "Tacatito" Corona were also brought in as additional reinforcements in the 69th minute.
El Tree forced Panama to advance in their half of the field, and by the 78th minute, Lanez was able to win a penalty for Mexico. Jiménez stepped on the spot and easily put the ball in front of goalkeeper Luis Mejia.
With the win in hand, Mexico have now closed their most recent international window with seven points from three CONCACAF qualifiers. In March, El Tri will end the octagon with matches against the United States, Honduras and El Salvador.
Qatar 2022 is yet to take place, but it now has a lot of potential for the North American giants.
After the match Martino said, "Welcome to victory." "It brings us closer to a new World Cup."
Under recent pressure after a disappointing four-point run in the last four qualifiers, Martino can rest easy with a 1-0 result that has greatly boosted Mexico's chances for an invitation to the World Cup.
"Tata is the head of this group, he is the leader who will take us to Qatar," Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa told TUDN after the final whistle.
Canada, which beat El Salvador later on Wednesday, beat second-placed U.S. Four points ahead of the U.S., which is level with Mexico but ahead of goal difference.
Panama, who finished fourth in the table in March, played in their last three qualifiers against Honduras, U.S. and clash with Canada.