Jamaica vs Mexico summary: score, goals, highlights | Gold Cup
Jamaica vs Mexico: Live minute-by-minute
Mexico are through to the final of the 2023 Gold Cup after El Tri secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Jamaica in their semi-final.
Mexico looked to have been enthused by the United States’ defeat to Panama earlier in the evening and Jaime Lozano’s side were clearly eager to get on the front foot.
It took less than 90 seconds for Henry Martin to put his side ahead, coolly slotting home when the ball arrived at his feet in the box.
Mexico looked by far the better team in the first half and they doubled their lead in emphatic fashion as Luis Chavez’s left-footed free kick was curled artfully into the top corner. El Tri took a two-goal lead into the break.
After halftime Jamaica began to fashion more openings but they were often the result of individual talents, rather than any cohesive play. They pushed for chances in the final 10 minutes but Mexico put the game to bed late on when Roberto Alvarado finished a simple chance.
Will interim coach Jaime Lozano lead his short-term squad to a Concacaf triumph? We’ll find out on Sunday when Mexico face Panama in the Gold Cup final.
El Tri are through to the Gold Cup final
With a resounding 3-0 victory over Jamaica, Mexico book their place in the final of the Gold Cup.
Just one month on from the chastening defeat to the United States and the unsavoury fall-out from that fixture, El Tri are one game away from lifting the Gold Cup once again.
And that's all we have time for!
Mexico cruise through to the final of the 2023 Gold Cup with a resounding 3-0 victory over Jamaica.
GOOOOOAAAAL! Mexico
And that's it, it's three!
Mexico book their place in the final courtesy of an injury time strike from Roberto Alvarado!
We're going to have another four minutes of action from the Allegiant Stadium.
Can Mexico see this out?
It's just wide from Bailey!
A decent effort, in fairness, but always creeping wide of the far post.
That could well be that for Jamaica.
Free kick for Jamaica on the edge of the box.
It a good position, slightly to the right so well suited to Bailey's left foot.
This must be Jamaica's last chance to get back into the game...
We're into the final minutes of normal time now. How long to be added on?
There's been lots of subs but no real incidents of note. Probably about five, at most.
Final change for El Tri as Lainez comes on to replace Pineda.
And with that, Mexico win a corner with five minutes of normal time remaining. No rush here, you suspect.
Mexico are starting to show their experience now. Jamaica are struggling to get the ball up the pitch and time is beginning to run out.
Jamaica have managed to get back on the ball in the last few minutes but their play is a little rushed. Without any real quality in the midfield they are being forced to play direct balls, something that Mexico look well-equipped to repel.
Less than ten minutes of normal time remaining now.
Another good passage of play for Mexico but they can't find the all-important third goal here. The crowd rallies behind El Tri once again, but Jamaica aren't out of this yet.
Chance! Mexico
So nearly the game for Mexico as Jimenez ran through on goal but couldn't find the finishing touch. He made himself some room but his effort was cleared off the line by a recovering defender.
Still 2-0.
Chance! Jamaica
Brilliant run from Antonio, surging through the Mexican defence to make space for himself on the right. His low effort is firmly struck but Ochoa saves comfortably at the near post.
It looks like Jamaica will need a moment of magic if they are to make a breakthrough.
And here are those Mexican substitutions...
Alvarez and Alvarado coming on for El Tri, Chavez and Antuna depart.
Less than 20 minutes of normal time remaining.
It's a corner for Jamaica now, Gray to take...
He swing it in right-footed but Reid gives away a free kick at the back post. Mexico back in possession.
It looks like Mexico are preparing Edson Alvarez to come on for the final twenty minutes.
The Ajax midfielder has drawn rave review in Holland but picked up an injury earlier on this tournament. He will hope to secure the middle of the park for Mexico.
Chance! Jamaica
A real opening there for Nicholson but the substitute blazes over from ten yards outs.
Looks like it would have been pulled back from an offside anyway, but Jamaica are getting closer here.
Jamaica win a corner after promising play down the right hand side.
Bailey whips in the corner and Nicholson is there to meet it! His header is deflected out for another corner...
A brace of Mexican substitutions now as Martin and E. Sanchez are replaced by Gimenez and Rodriguez.
VAR check over - no punishment for Bailey.
It looked like a no-brainer of a decision as the Aston Villa man clearly stamped his studs into the thigh of a Mexico player.
A pause in play now as the video ref considers an off-the-ball incident involving Leon Bailey.
It looked like a fairly blatant stamp...
As we approach the final 30 minutes of normal time, you get the sense that the next goal is absolutely crucial.
A third for Mexico would surely book their place in the final. If Jamaica were to get a goal back, however, the momentum would be with them for the remaining time.
Mexico now rally with a succession of probing runs down the right from Sanchez. Twice his crosses go tamely out for a goal kick, but it's showing some intention at least.
Henry Martin (Mexico)
The Mexican striker is down after a late challenge from Bernard. He's getting to his feet, albeit rather gingerly, and looks like he'll be ok to continue.
Close! Jamaica
Nearly a goal back for Jamaica, who have looked much improved since the break.
Strong running from Reid got them up the pitch and the Fulham man worked the ball out wide to Antonio on the left. He takes on his man and fires a left-footed shot across goal.
His cross-cum-shot misses both the target and his teammates, but it's a positive bit of play from Jamaica.
There's another change for Jamaica, but it's not Bailey.
Full-back Brown is replaced by Lembikisa, the same substitution Jamaica made in their quarter-final victory.
Leon Bailey
Jamaican forward Leon Bailey is down after a heavy fall. He's currently being attended to by the medical staff, unclear if he'll be able to continue.
Jamaica have looked a lot more settled in the opening moments of the second half. There's a bit of control in the middle of the pitch and it's allowing them to work their way up the pitch.
Interesting start to the half.
One change at the break as Jamaica's Lambert is withdrawn, replaced by Nicholson.
And we're back...
The second half is underway, who will book their place in the Gold Cup final?
Optimism from Jamaica at the break
For the first time in the 2023 Gold Cup, Jamaica are behind.
The Reggae Boyz had not spent a single second of their first four games in a losing position but that all changed at the Allegiant Stadium. Henry Martin's coolly-taken goal after just 90 seconds gave Mexico the lead and El Tri have not looked back since.
Panama make history in the Gold Cup
A reminder of what went down in the first of the two Gold Cup semi-finals...
Panama staged a dramatic penalty shoot out win to eliminate hosts USMNT. The game swung back and forth between the two sides, with Panama having a late winner ruled out in the final moments of normal time.
But it was the Panamanians who triumphed on penalties, securing their spot in the final.
And that's half time!
It was a fascinating first half in Las Vegas with Mexico taking a well-deserved lead at the break. What can Jamaica muster in the second 45?
It's Mexico on the attack once again!
Antuna makes a good run down the right but his cross is cleared for a corner. Final chance of the half...
Goal kick for Mexico and Ochoa will take his time with this.
It's been a near-perfect opening 45 from the Mexican side, they just need to see out the final seconds.
Two minutes of added time announced in the Allegiant Stadium. Both teams would probably take 2-0 at the break.
Brilliant work from Antonio to hold up the ball in the middle of the pitch and win his side a throw-in.
However the West Ham striker is being forced to drop deep due to the shortcomings of his team's midfield. For all Jamaica's attacking talents there doesn't appear to be any cohesive idea of how to get the ball to them.
The few attacks that Jamaica have mustered have been solo efforts, relying on the ability of Antonio, Gray and Co.
Free kick for Mexico on the left wing now, which is played inside. The ball works its way back to Gallardo who plays in a searching cross, but Jamaica do enough to clear.
As it stands, Mexico look the more likely to score the next goal of the game.
First hint of frustration for Jamaica as Leon Baily fails to control the ball on the flank. It bobbles out and into the Mexican technical area, giving Jaime Lozano a chance to show off a few neat touches on the bench.
Chavez does it again
Not for the first time, Luis Chavez has scored a brilliant free kick for El Tri. The left-footed midfielder also struck from range at the 2022 World Cup with a thunderous effort against Saudi Arabia.
The Mexican fans are really getting into this now, booing every Jamaican touch as they look to get a foot on the ball.
Mexico have looked by far the more cohesive of the two teams, and well deserve their lead.
What made that free kick from Luis Chavez particularly impressive was the angle; it really did not look suited to the left-footer. The ball was positioned on the left of the box, meaning that Chavez had to curl the ball at a tight angle.
He did it perfectly, leaving Blake grasping at thin air as the ball flew into the top corner.
GOOOOAAAAL! mEXICO
What a strike from Chavez to double Mexico's lead! Left-footed from the edge of the box, his curling effort flies into the top corner and Mexico have a two-goal advantage.
With Mexico on the attack Pineda is shoved to the floor on the edge of the Jamaican box. It looks like Brown was the perpetrator.
Promising free-kick for Mexico. 20 yards from goal on the left.
Big confusion now as the game is paused after the ball hit an over-head camera. The 'spider-cam' device tracks the ball from above the pitch.
A long clearance appeared to clip the camera and the referee has ordered the game be stopped. Looks like a drop ball to get things going again.
Chance! Jamaica
First piece of real quality from the Reggae Boyz as Demarai Gray picks up the ball on the left and darts inside. He skips past a challenge and fires in an low effort but Ochoa is equal to it.
Jamaica could do with a bit more of that impetus.
Chance! Mexico
Bernard's clearance was a little loose for Jamaica and the ball was picked up by Sanchez on the edge of the box. He looks to curl one past Blake from distance, but it's just wide.
Jamaica look fairly content to sit in shape and not press Mexico when the defence is in possession. When Jamaica get the ball back they are playing fairly direct, looking to get Antonio on the ball as quickly as possible so he can set the pacey wingers free.
Good defending from Lambert to halt an Mexican attack and El Tri win another corner.
Chavez whips the ball into the box but it's cleared by Jamaica.
Cleared by Jamaica and they are on the offensive through Demarai Gray.
The Everton man looks to drive forward but he's very isolated and Mexico get number around him. That's been the problem for Jamaica so far.
Things cooling down slightly after that frenetic opening ten. The atmosphere is still very lively though, and neither team will be able to take their foot off the pedal for too long.
Mexico back on the attack down the right flank...
In the opening ten minutes Mexico have managed to control the possession, but Jamaica still possess a real threat on the break. We got a little glimpse of it there as Antonio led a counter-attacked, aided by Baily on the overlap.
Mexico were able to extinguish the foray forward but it will give Jamaican fans hope to see their key players getting on the ball.
Chance! Mexico
THat could have been a second!
Neat footwork from Martin on the edge of the box allowed Sanchez to step onto the ball and fire a low effort at goal. Blake was equal to the attempt and pushed it wide of the post, but is furious with his backline.
To be fair, he's probably got a point.
This tournament is hosted by the United States but it is striking to see how many Mexican fans are in attendance. Huge swathes of seating are covered almost exclusively by green shirts and the noise for the opening goal was really something.
Henry Martin fires Mexico ahead
Confirmation of that opening goal for Mexico. El Tri looked fired up and are going in search of more early on.
Can Jamaica withstand the early barrage?
Mexico are back on the attack and win a corner after a long-range effort is deflected behind. Bernard is there to clear the ball for Jamaica but they are struggling to get a hold of the game in the opening stages.
Well, what happened there then?
There didn't seem to be a huge amount of danger when Mexico came sweeping forward, but El Tri's striking quality made the difference. A square ball found Martin in space in the Jamaican box and he coolly took a touch, before firing past Blake.
What a start for Mexico, can Jamaica react now?
GOOOOAAAAALL! Mexico
Astonishing scenes from the Allegiant Stadium as Henry Martin fires Mexico into the league.
A classic striker's finish from the Mexican poacher. What a start to this game!
Early chance for Jamaica as Antonio wins a free kick in a wide position. Baily swings the ball in but it's comfortably cleared by El Tri.
And we're off!
Jamaica get us started in the second Gold Cup semi-final at Allegiant Stadium..
And next up it's the Mexican national anthem, sung in unison by the many thousands of Mexican supporters in attendance.
A place in the final is up for grabs, we're nearly ready to go now!
ICYMI: Mexico starting XI against Jamaica
And here's how El Tri line up this evening.
Mexico starting XI: Ochoa - Gallardo, Vasquez, Montes, Sanchez - Romo, Sanchez, Chavez - Pineda, Martin, Antuna
There's just minutes to go until kick-off now and the players are out at the Allegiant Stadium.
We're on to the anthems now. First up, it's Jamaica
ICYMI: Jamaica lineup vs Mexico
Here's the Reggae Boyz' team for tonight:
Jamaica starting XI: Blake - Bell, Bernard, Lowe, Brown - Latibeaudiere, Lambert - Baily, Reid - Gray, Antonio
Preparations underway for El Tri
There's less than ten minutes to go until kick-off at the Allegiant Stadium and Mexico are looking pumped for the semi-final against Jamaica. Veteran goalkeeper Giullermo Ochoa is still the Mexican Number 1 at the age of 38. Quite an effort from the experienced shot-stopper!
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Icelandic head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson is leading the Jamaican team at the Gold Cup, but he has a pretty impressive record at tournaments with his home nation.
Hallgrimsson’s side face Mexico in the semi-final of the Gold Cup. In this tournament Jamaica has been one of the most solid teams and they remain unbeaten in four games.
We take a look at Hallgrimsson's career, both in and out of football...
Mexican support out in full force
Tonight's second semi-final is being played in the Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, with plenty of Mexico supporters expected to be in attendance. Nevada has a large Mexican population and they can expect a raucous atmosphere when they take to the pitch in half an hour.
Under interim coach Jaime Lozano the Mexican side have sought back to win back supporters after a disappointing showing at the 2022 World Cup. Mexico have made it through to the semi-finals but they have faced a number of off-field issues in recent weeks, culminating with a tragic incident in the previous round against Qatar.
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Don't forget, Jamaica vs Mexico is not the only game going on in the Gold Cup tonight. The United States are currently playing out a tense extra-time against Panama and it's anyone's game!
Panama took the led in the opening minutes of extra time but the US have just levelled with a stunning volley from Jesus Ferreira.
And here's the Mexican team for this evening
Jaime Lozano has named his team to start the Gold Cup semi-final against Jamaica. The big news for El Tri is that Henry Martin is fit to lead the line for his team despite picking up an injury earlier in the tournament.
However combative midfielder Edson Alvarez is only fit enough for the bench.
Jamaica lineup vs Mexico
And here we go, the first of the team lineups for the Gold Cup semi-final between Jamaica and Mexico. Perhaps unsurprisingly there are no changes for the Reggae Boys ahead of this crucial clash.
Confirmation of tonight's KO time
It looks like the Gold Cup semi-final will get underway at 10:36pm local time (ET), slightly later than the advertised start. That means that there is just over an hour to go until the players take to the pitch at the Allegiant Stadium, team news coming shortly...
We will have full coverage of Jamaica vs Mexico right here, but there are a number of ways to watch or stream the game in the United States. Here's everything you need to know to watch the action live...
Kick-off approaches in Las Vegas
The second of the two Gold Cup semi-finals will take place at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mexico go into the game refreshed by the introduction of Jaime Lozano as interim head coach. The 44-year-old was only brought in last month but has overseen three wins from his four games in charge.
He may not be the man to do the job in the long-term, but his Mexico side are performing well under his guidance.
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Ahead of his side's Gold Cup clash with Mexico, Jamaica head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson sounded optimistic about his side's chances of reaching the final.
“We have said that from the beginning and we think we have the same chance as anyone else in the semi-finals,” Hallgrimsson said.
The Reggae Boyz call call up Premier League regulars like Leon Baily and Demarai Gray and have impressed in the tournament so far. However they face a Mexican side who looked improved under new boss Jaime Lozano and who are the tournament's most success team, with seven previous Gold Cup triumphs under their belt.
What time is Jamaica vs Mexico?
No matter where you are in the world, we'll be bringing you full live coverage of Jamaica vs Mexico in the semi-finals of the Gold Cup. With a little over 90 minutes to go until the scheduled kick-off time in the Allegiant Stadium, here's when kick-off is for you...
Julian Quiñones and Germán Berterame, two naturalised Mexicans, have both been linked with call ups to the squad over recent days and weeks - here is what Lozano had to say on the matter:
“Both Berterame and Quiñones have had two or three fantastic years in Liga MX football, and there’s a reason they want to naturalise: they feel comfortable in the country, their country.”
Jamaica captain Andre Blake could make the difference
It is often said that experience is crucial in knock-out football and Jamaica have plenty of that in goalkeeper Andre Blake. The Reggae Boyz veteran is appearing at his fifth Gold Cup and will hope that the team can go one step further that the runners-up finishes in 2015 and 2017.
“Experience teaches wisdom and I’ve gathered a lot of experience over the years playing in the Gold Cup,” Blake said ahead of Wednesday's game.
“It just helps me to be relaxed, to be calm and to know that you have been in that situation before and it kind of helps you to pull through.”
Good evening and welcome to AS USA!
I'm Will Gittins and I'll be taking you through all the action from the second of the Gold Cup semi-finals: Jamaica vs Mexico. We're now less than two hours from kick-off at the Allegiant Stadium and we should get team news from the two sides fairly soon.