Gold Cup: Hector Herrera’s late goal carries Mexico past Canada
Hector Herrera scored in the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time to give Mexico a dramatic 2-1 victory over Canada in the semifinals of the Concacaf Gold Cup at Houston on Thursday.
The Mexicans will play the US in Las Vegas on Sunday with a chance for their ninth championship out of the 16 Gold Cups, including a 1-0 victory over the Americans in the 2019 final.
The US defeated Qatar 1-0 on Thursday in the other semifinal and will be in its 12th final seeking its seventh title. The United States last won the Gold Cup in 2017.
Herrera took a pass from Rodolfo Pizarro and slotted a shot from 16 yards. Several scrums ensued before play continued after the goal.
Orbelin Pineda converted a penalty kick in the second minute of first-half stoppage time to put Mexico ahead. Tajon Buchanan tied it in the 57th minute for the first goal allowed by the Mexicans in the five tourney matches.
Mexico failed to regain the lead in the 66th minute after Jesus Corona drew his second penalty. Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau dived to his right to save the attempt by Carlos Salcedo.
Crepeau saved the match early in second-half stoppage time with a left-handed swat of a header by Pizarro.
Mexico took a 1-0 lead after a video review prompted a foul called against Doneil Henry on Corona.
Buchanan scored the equalizer after an outlet from Mark-Anthony Kaye down the left flank.
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It was Kaye who fouled Corona in the box that led to the penalty heroics by Crepeau.
The Canadians were without striker Lucas Cavallini and defender Steven Vitoria due to yellow-card accumulation. They were also minus forwards Cyle Larin and Ayo Akinola because of injuries.
Canada was in its first semifinal since 2007 and was looking for its first championship since 2000. The Canadians are the only country beside the US and Mexico to win the Gold Cup.