Forgive American soccer fans for forgetting that their southern neighbors are still fighting for their 2014 World Cup lives. The Americans clinched a spot in soccer’s biggest tournament with a win over Mexico in Columbus last month, leaving the Mexicans with not just an existential crisis but also the anxiety and fear of missing out entirely.
But the Mexicans now control their own destiny to Brazil after winning against Panama last night, which they sealed with this absolutely gorgeous, downright perfunctory bicycle kick from Raul Jimenez.
For context, the Mexicans played a lackluster match that saw Manchester United’s Javier “Chicarito” Hernandez muff a penalty kick and Panama score a late equalizer in the 81st minute to tie the game at 1-1. But the 22-year-old Jimenez took a wobbly pass from Fernando Arce, blooped it up into the air and cranked the pedals for one of the better goals soccer fans will see all year.
Still, El Tri sits in fourth place in CONCACAF qualifying with 11 points and one match left. However, they control their own destiny, with a draw next week against Costa Rica at least securing them a home-and-home playoff against New Zealand to reach the World Cup.
American fans, though, still give zero f*cks. The Stars And Stripes clinched first place in CONCACAF qualifying last night with a 2-0 win over Jamaica in Kansas City.
Video: ESPN