Andres Guardado celebrates his penalty kick winner.
A terrible bit of officiating by Walter Lopez of Guatemala in the 120th minute. Mexico was awarded a penalty after Roy Miller’s elbow brushed Oribe Peralta, and the striker fell to the ground in the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot. Andres Guardado made no mistake. The tragedy, Peralta was distinctly lucky to be on the pitch with his 111th minute foul dropping Elias Aguilar. That should have been a straight red. Instead the Club America striker received only a booking.
Mexico was the better side in the second half but could not finish their chances and in a couple of times, the woodwork came to the rescue. Los Ticos should have scored in the first half with Johan Venegas fluffed a fairly simple volley after Joel Campbell found him in the box with a nicely directed cross.
So, its Mexico vs Panama. No side to advance this far has looked entirely convincing. El Tri are on course for that USA showdown.