Raul Jimenez Strike Sends Mexico to Gold Cup Final

Raul Jimenez needed less than two minutes of extra time to lift Mexico past Honduras on Wednesday night, and the Wolverhampton forward’s ice-cold penalty has now set up the Gold Cup final everyone wanted: El Tri versus the United States at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Raul Jimenez Delivers When It Matters

Raul Jimenez has fashioned a reputation for decisive goals, and his 41st for the national team might be his most important since returning from a career-threatening skull fracture. The 32-year-old converted from the spot after Luis Romo drew a foul inside the area, sending Honduras keeper Edrick Menjívar the wrong way and silencing a shell-shocked crowd in Glendale. Raul Jimenez celebrated by kissing the badge and pointing to the sky, a gesture that underlined both relief and ambition.

How the Semi-Final Unfolded

Mexico dominated early possession, with Diego Lainez and Orbelín Pineda stretching the Honduran back line. Still, clear chances were scarce until the 71st minute, when Raul Jimenez rattled the bar from open play. Honduras, marshalled by captain Anthony Lozano, sat deep and looked to counter, nearly stealing the match in the 83rd minute when Alberth Elis forced an acrobatic save from Guillermo Ochoa. As extra time beckoned, Jaime Lozano ordered fresh legs—substituting Santiago Giménez for Henry Martín and shifting Raul Jimenez to a roaming role. The tweak paid instant dividends: Romo surged into the box, won the penalty, and Raul Jimenez coolly dispatched the winner.

El Tri Eyes Back-to-Back Titles

The victory keeps Mexico on course for a record-extending 10th CONCACAF crown and a rare repeat. Under Lozano, Mexico press high, recycle possession quickly, and rely on Raul Jimenez’s craft between the lines. The striker’s chemistry with Lainez has been pivotal; the pair exchanged 17 passes in the semifinal—more than any other duo on the pitch. Should Mexico triumph again, Lozano would become only the third manager in tournament history to win the Gold Cup in his first attempt.

Jimenez Reaches 41 International Goals

Only five Mexican players have scored more often for the national side than Raul Jimenez. With Jared Borgetti’s 46 in sight, the forward credits Wolverhampton’s medical staff for his renaissance: “Every session, every match feels like a gift,” Jimenez said postgame. “I wear this shirt with pride, and nights like this make all the hard rehab worthwhile.”

Raul Jimenez Faces Fierce USA Test

Sunday’s showdown will be the 74th meeting between the rivals, and Raul Jimenez has scored four times in the last five clashes against the Stars and Stripes. The United States reached the final after edging Canada in a dramatic shootout, and interim boss B.J. Callaghan has leaned heavily on high-pressing wingers. Containing Christian Pulisic will be key, but Mexico’s coaching staff believe Raul Jimenez can exploit pockets behind the American double pivot.

Tactical Tweaks from Jaime Lozano

1. Flexible Front Three: Lozano instructs Raul Jimenez to drift wide, pulling center-backs out of shape.
2. Double Pivot Security: Edson Álvarez partners with Erick Sánchez to screen counters, freeing full-backs to overlap.
3. Rotational Press: Mexico’s forwards, led by Raul Jimenez, trigger the press based on ball position rather than player marking, making the scheme less predictable and more energy-efficient.

Stats That Tell the Story

• Shots: Mexico 16, Honduras 8
• Expected Goals (xG): Mexico 1.82, Honduras 0.74
• Possession: Mexico 62%
• Key Passes: Raul Jimenez 3, more than any other player
• Duels Won: Johan Vásquez 9

Historical Context

Mexico’s record in Gold Cup finals stands at 9–2, while the USMNT’s is 7–5. The nations have split the last six editions evenly, three titles apiece. Raul Jimenez famously buried a 118th-minute winner in the 2019 Nations League semifinal against the U.S., a reminder of his knack for late drama.

What This Means for Honduras

La H returned home heartbroken yet encouraged. Under coach Reinaldo Rueda, Honduras blended defensive grit with transitional pace. “We’re close,” Rueda noted. “Tonight’s difference was Raul Jimenez—class at the decisive moment.” Los Catrachos will now focus on World Cup qualifying, buoyed by the emergence of midfielder Joseph Rosales and the steady leadership of experienced defender Maynor Figueroa.

Player Ratings (Mexico)

Guillermo Ochoa 7/10 – Vital late stop.
Jorge Sánchez 6 – Solid if unspectacular.
Johan Vásquez 8 – Dominant aerially.
Edson Álvarez 7 – Controlled midfield tempo.
Orbelín Pineda 6 – Flashes of creativity.
Raul Jimenez 9 – Match winner, constant outlet.

Looking Ahead to Houston

Ticket demand for Sunday’s Gold Cup final has spiked, and resale platforms list prices 40% higher than 2021 levels. Mexican fans will form the majority in the 72,000-seat stadium, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Estadio Azteca. The United States, however, relishes the role of underdog on home soil, and Callaghan’s side has yet to concede from open play this tournament.

Key Match-ups to Watch

• Raul Jimenez vs. Chris Richards: Experience meets youthful exuberance.
• Edson Álvarez vs. Weston McKennie: Midfield battle for territorial control.
• César Montes vs. Ricardo Pepi: Strength against movement in the box.

Expert Predictions

Most analysts peg Mexico as slight favorites, citing the form of Raul Jimenez and the side’s tournament pedigree. Statistical model Opta gives El Tri a 52% chance of victory, with penalties considered. A shootout would level the odds, but Mexico boasts Ochoa, whose penalty-saving legacy looms large.

The Final Word

Raul Jimenez has waited three years for a moment like this—a chance to lead his country to a historic 10th Gold Cup and exorcise the ghosts of personal injury. Sunday cannot come soon enough for the striker who thrives on grand stages.

Opinion: Raul Jimenez’s resurgence feels like destiny aligning with hard work. If he caps this comeback with silverware against the USA, his story will resonate far beyond CONCACAF—a reminder that perseverance and quality never go out of style.