Jimenez saves Mexico as Chichatiro misses penalty

Javier Hernandez missed a penalty – but Mexico still claimed a crucial World Cup qualifying campaign victory, beating Panama 2-1.

A late bicycle kick from Raul Jimenez secured maximum points for Mexico, following a nervy encounter.

Oribe Peralta had given the hosts the lead, and Hernandez was provided with a great opportunity to double the lead after the half-time break but Panama ‘keeper Jaime Penedo easily saved his poor spot-kick.

It looked as though Chichatiro’s miss would prove costly for the Mexicans, as Luis Tejada grabbed an equaliser with nine minutes remaining. However, Jimenez settled the contest soon afterwards with a goal well worthy of winning the tense affair.

Mexico will confirm a play-off spot for a place in Brazil should they draw their final qualifier in Costa Rica, whilst victory could  ensure automatic qualification is decided on goal difference if Jamaica claim an unlikely win over Honduras in Kingston.