Mexico Secures 2024 Copa America Spot with Thrilling Win Over Honduras in Nations League Quarterfinals
Mexico City, Estadio Azteca — In a gripping showdown, Mexico secured their place in the 2024 Copa America after overcoming Honduras 2-0 (2-2 on aggregate) in a thrilling Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal clash. The tense encounter, held at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca on Tuesday, saw El Tri emerge victorious in a penalty shootout with a final score of 4-2.
From the opening minutes, Mexico demonstrated their determination to overturn the 2-0 deficit from the first leg. Midfielder Érick Sánchez’s early header rattled the woodwork, setting the tone for an intense offensive display. Despite initial pressure, Honduras managed to find attacking opportunities midway through the first half, testing Mexico’s goalkeeper Angel Malagon, who made crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
Mexico regained control just before halftime, as midfielder Luis Chávez executed a brilliant free-kick from nearly 30 yards out, catching Honduras’ goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar off-guard. Chávez’s goal in the 43rd minute put Mexico ahead 1-0.
The second half saw Malagon making another crucial save in the 61st minute, denying a short-range header from Honduras’ Anthony Lozano. Sensing the need for fresh legs, Mexico’s coach “Jimmy” Lozano strategically introduced substitutes like Cesar Huerta, Julián Quiñones, Santiago Giménez, and Luis Romo in the second half.
In a dramatic turn of events, Mexico’s Edson Álvarez scored an injury-time goal in the 101st minute, leveling the aggregate scoreline and forcing the quarterfinal series into extra time. Despite continued pressure from Mexico, and additional substitutes Orbelín Pineda and Julián Araujo, neither team managed to find the net during the extra halves, leading to a penalty shootout.
The shootout saw Mexico’s Johan Vásquez, Gimenez, Pineda, and Huerta, who took three attempts after Menjivar came off his line twice, scoring decisive goals. With a 4-2 victory in the shootout, Mexico secured their place in the 2024 Copa America.
Looking ahead, Mexico will conclude the year with a friendly against Colombia on December 16 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In March 2024, they will continue their Nations League journey through the semifinal round. Concurrently, Honduras will participate in a do-or-die play-in match for Copa America qualification during the same month.