IRAPUATO, Guanajuato – Mexico and Cuba secured their place in the semifinals of the 2024 Concacaf Men's U-20 Championship, and a berth to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, with victories on Wednesday at the Sergio León Chávez Stadium in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.
The two remaining spots in the semifinals, and for Chile 2025, were decided in outstanding fashion as hosts Mexico and Costa Rica delivered a classic. Honduras and Costa Rica went the distance, needing penalties to decide a winner.
Mexico wins in comeback victory
Mexico earned a 2-1 win against Costa Rica to seal the third spot in the semifinals.
Andy Rojas sent a warning shot with the first strike of the match, in the 1’, hitting the outside of left post.
Rojas earned a penalty opportunity in the 26’ after being taken down in the box by Mexico goalkeeper Emmanuel Ochoa.
Claudio Montero converted from the penalty spot in the 29' as the visitors took the lead.
Diego Sánchez tied the encounter in the 39' with a lethal shot off the volley to convert on a play that stemmed from a corner kick.
Amaury Morales secured the match-winning goal in the 83' with a strike inside the penalty area to complete a Mexico build up.
Mexico returns to the FIFA U-20 World Cup after missing the previous edition and will participate for a 17th time. The team moves on to the semifinals as it continues its chase for a 14th Concacaf Men’s U-20 Championship.
Cuba advances on penalties
Cuba defeated Honduras 5-3 on penalties after drawing 1-1 in regulation.
Roberto Osorto struck from long range in the 34’ but his shot was deflected wide.
Osorto struck on target in the 37’ but Cuba goalkeeper Yurdy Hodelin captured the ball for the save.
Elvis Casanova earned a penalty opportunity for Cuba in the 58’ after being taken down in the box by David Herrera.
Samuel Rodríguez converted from the penalty spot in the 60' to place Cuba in front.
Anfronit Tatúm equalized in the 79' with a header in the box. Osorto provided the service from a free kick.
Maikol Vega received a red card in the 99’, leaving Cuba with ten men the rest of the way.
Didier Reinoso scored the winning kick in the shootout as Cuba won 5-3 on penalties.
Cuba secured the last berth from the Concacaf region for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup. It will be the nation’s second participation after last appearing in the 2013 tournament.
The win also places Cuba in the last four of the tournament. The Caribbean nation will look to win its first Concacaf Men’s U-20 Championship.
Semifinals set for Friday
The remaining four teams in the 2024 Concacaf Men's U-20 Championship will square off on Friday. The United States and Panama will meet to decide one of the finalists. Hosts Mexico and Cuba will play for the other spot in the final.
