BRADENTON, Florida – Mexico is on its way to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup for the 16th time after defeating El Salvador 1-0 on Friday in Group H of the 2018 Concacaf Under-20 Championship Qualification Stage.
The win assures El Tricolor at least a second-place finish in the group and a ticket to next summer’s World Cup in Poland.
The Mexico victory also means that Panama has qualified for the 2019 Under-20 World Cup.
Mexico took care of its business early, tallying the game’s lone goal in the 11’.
Misael Dominguez made a run down the left flank and lofted a cross to the back post that was met by Daniel Lopez, who headed home for the 1-0 lead.
El Salvador looked to respond and six minutes later Ronald Cerritos had a good crack at goal but Mexico GK Carlos Higuera was alert and made the save.
The Central Americans’ quest for a tying goal continued into the second half, but each time they managed to carve out a scoring opportunity, the Mexican defense rose to the occasion to deny the equalizer.
Mexico will face Panama on Monday, with the winner advancing to the Final.
