Mexico v Panama
Lozano scores as Mexico hold off Panama to reach Russia
Mexico qualified for next year's World Cup finals after beating Panama at the Azteca Stadium.
Substitute Hirving Lozano's second-half goal was enough to earn Mexico a 1-0 victory and lift them three points clear of Costa Rica at the top of the CONCACAF qualifying table.
The win means Mexico is guaranteed a top-three finish with three matches still to play, and with it a place at Russia 2018. It is the seventh successive time Mexico will be at the World Cup finals and 16th overall.
The 22-year-old Lozano, who joined PSV Eindhoven this summer from Pachuca, struck the only goal of the game in the 53rd minute when he powered home a header from Jesus Corona's cross.
Mexico joins Brazil, Iran and Japan in securing their berth at the World Cup finals, alongside hosts Russia.
Game Information
FIFA World Cup Qualifying - Concacaf Standings
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | +5 | 12 |
| Suriname | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | +3 | 9 |
| Guatemala | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | +1 | 8 |
| El Salvador | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -9 | 3 |
WCQ - Concacaf News