ANALYSIS – Raúl Jiménez’s two goals were the difference in the game against Canada. It was, however, their defence, which really won them the game. Time and time again, the Mexican defence stepped up when needed most on many different occasions in the game. As a result, they defeated Canada and sent them to the third-place playoff game to face the U.S.
Raúl Jiménez Helps Mexico Get Past the CANMNT
Raúl Jiménez’s Two Goals Was Reason for Win
Raúl Jiménez was a player to watch out for in this writer’s preview of the Canada vs Mexico game. As it turns out, he was the difference maker. Jiménez was alert and put himself in a good position to score the first goal that came from an Alistair Johnston giveaway. Then, with Jiménez’s second goal, he delivered a fantastic free kick that beat Dayne St. Clair for the second goal of the game for the Mexicans.
At other points of the game, Jimenez and the other forwards of Mexico were dangerous on the counterattack, trying to catch the Canadian backline off-guard on many occasions of Thursday’s game as Jiménez delivered for Mexico.
Mexico’s Defence Was Stellar
The biggest factor for Mexico advancing to the final was not Raúl Jiménez, it was Mexico’s backline and defence. A few examples of this include:
- Cyle Larin’s shot was deflected in the 56 minute.
- Edson Álvarez made a goal-saving clearance as he prevented Derek Cornelius from scoring.
- Érik Lira defended Jacob Shaffelburg well.
Álvarez was probably the best player for Mexico on the defensive end, but there was an understanding with everyone on the backline with Johan Vásquez and Diego Reyes. There was also some good play done by one of their midfielders, Jesús Gallardo.
Canada Needs To Be Better at Set Pieces
Yes, Mexico was excellent at defence. However, there is only so much a team can do with set pieces. Canada had seven corners compared to Mexico, which only had two corners. Canada also had a great number of free kicks. However, there were only two that were somewhat dangerous as the only shot on goal for Canada was an Alphonso Davies shot that went straight to Mexico’s Luis Malagón for the save.
For corners, even with a few that were perfect like Ali Ahmed’s, Canada was unable to capitalize on the opportunity. This is something Canada can improve on. They also had trouble scoring goals in open play.
This is what CANMNT head coach, Marsch, said about the game (Source: En Juego Sports YouTube Account):
It seemed that Canada had trouble making that final pass or having more composure with their set-pieces. This is something they will hope to improve on before Sunday’s game against the U.S.
Other Factors: Controversial No Penalty Call for Derek Cornelius
The fact that Canada only had one shot on goal was one of the biggest reasons why they lost against Mexico. Some of their passes were not accurate. Two examples include Stephen Eustáquio’s cross being too far for Ali Ahmed to get to. Another one was an early mistake by Ismaël Koné early in the game. He was fortunately not punished by Mexico.
However, a more controversial call was on Derek Cornelius. Cornelius got to the ball before Alvarez did, but still did not get the call as Alvarez looked to have made contact with Cornelius without getting to the ball. This is what CANMNT centre-back, Derek Cornelius, said about the play (Source: OneSoccer Instagram Account):
That call should have been overturned, as Canada should have gotten a penalty. It could have also changed the complexion of the game depending on how Canada and Mexico decided to play for the rest of the game if Canada was able to tie the game early.
READ MORE: Doneil Henry: The Hard-Nosed CANMNT Centre-Back
Games Coming Up for Mexico and Canada
READ MORE: CANMNT 2025 CNL Finals Roster: Two Promising Forwards
For Canada, they will play against the U.S. on Sunday at 6:00pm ET at SoFi Stadium. This is while Mexico will play for a championship against Panama on Sunday at 9:00pm ET. Both games will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Both games will be shown live on OneSoccer. In addition, the Canada-USA game will be shown televised nationally in Canada on TSN and RDS.
Photo Credit: CANMNT X Account on March 20, 2025.
