Mexico triumph 4-0 over Jamaica to reach Gold Cup final

The Mexican national team triumphed 3-0 over Jamaica on Wednesday, as goals from Roberto ‘Piojo’ Alvarado, Henry Martin and Luis Chavez sealed El Tri’s ticket to the Gold Cup final. 

Interim manager Jaime Lozano set expectations high, after taking over for Diego Cocca following his shocking exit on June 19. He led Mexico to two victories and a loss during the group stage, before cruising through the knockout rounds with a 2-0 win over Costa Rica and the recent 3-0 triumph over Jamaica. 

“We were calm, and forceful. What happened against Honduras happened to us a bit, I think going up on the scoreboard, they were never down on the scoreboard so they took risks,” said Lozano.

“We counteracted them quite well, we controlled them to a certain extent. It was a beautiful night. I am happy for them. A while ago the players here maybe not with the best mentality and without the fans to back them up but football gives the opportunity for a comeback.”

Now, the interim manager prepares to face Panama in the final after Los Canaleros eliminated the United States in penalties during the semifinal match on Wednesday afternoon. 

"Usually the dream final is between the United States and Mexico, but for me that doesn't matter," Lozano said in a post match news conference.

"I didn't even know, the game ended and someone interviewed me and they asked, 'what are your thoughts about going against Panama.' I didn't know who we were going to play. But I assure you that's the least important thing to me right now. I believe that the objective remains the same and if Panama is in the final it's because they did something a little better than the U.S."

El Tri and Panama last faced off in the Nations League match for third place on June 18, where Mexico won 1-0 with a goal from Jesus Gallardo in the fourth minute. Diego Cocca led from the sidelines, giving way for Lozano to lead against Los Canaleros for the first time on Sunday. 

"It's going to be an even more complicated game, we had to play against them so it's going to be complicated for us, it's not going to be easy,” added goalscorer Henry Martin.