Action from the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal between Mexico (white jersey) and Panama on July 22, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Mexsport)
MEXICO CITY -- Mexico will host Panama in an international friendly on October 13 at the Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca, the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol announced Thursday.
The encounter -- a rematch of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal won 2-1 by Mexico after extra time – will be take place three days after the Tricolor meets the United States in Pasadena, California, to contest a playoff for a berth in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
A burgeoning rivalry has developed between the sides. At the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Panamanians defeated Mexico twice: 2-1 in the group stage and 2-1 in the semifinals. In World Cup Qualifying for Brazil 2014, the tables were turned on October 11, 2013, when a spectacular goal by Raul Jimenez broke a stalemate in the 85th minute and gave host Mexico a key 2-1 win at the Estadio Azteca.
