Mexico advanced to the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final against Jamaica with a 2-1 Extra Time win over 10-man Panama thanks to two penalties by Andres Guardado on a calamitous night at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.
Few will remember the details from Wednesday's match, however, as the game was marred by a 10 minute stoppage in play following a highly controversial penalty kick call in favor of El Tri while Panama led 1-0 deep in the second half.
The semifinal was cagey from the start as Carlos Vela was awarded a yellow card in the opening minutes for an elbow to a Panamanian defender. In the 10th minute, Panama's leading goal scorer Luis Tejada was given a straight red by referee Mark Geiger for a forearm challenge on Mexico's Maza Rodriguez. Despite going down a man, a finish by Roman Torres off a Panama corner kick in the 57th minute gave Los Canaleros the lead.
The game's seminal action took place in the 89th minute, referee Mark Geiger awarded a penalty after Torres fell on the ball while attempting a clearance. The call sparked a pause in the action that was saw confrontations between players on the field and flying drinks from the capacity Atlanta crowd. After the delay, Guardado stepped up to the spot and buried his attempt past LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo to send the match into extra time.
The physical play continued in the second half as a frustrated Panama tried to pull ahead only to see Geiger whistle another penalty as Torres brought down Carlos Vela at the end of the first half of extra time. Once again, Guardado confidently finished his chance to put El Tri ahead for good. At the final whistle, a furious Panama bench charged the field at Geiger who was escorted off the field by security.
While Mexico advances to Sunday's final, Panama will now face the United States in the third place match at PPL Park on Saturday.
New LA Galaxy signing Giovani dos Santos did not take part in the match due to injury.
