Edson Álvarez and Mexico are through to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup following their 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The 27-year-old West Ham United defender again started for and captained his country at State Farm Stadium, Arizona, as two second-half goals booked El Tri’s spot in the final four of the competition.
Mexico broke the deadlock four minutes after half-time through a neat interchange involving Raúl Jiménez and Alexis Vega. The latter was played through on goal and after he saw his initial shot saved by Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi, was on hand to sweep home the rebound.
The quarter-final tie was one that Mexico largely dominated and they notched their second with nine minutes remaining, as a teasing cross from left-back Jesús Gallardo - aimed for substitute Santiago Giménez - was turned into his own net by Abdullah Madu.
Nine-time winners and reigning champions Mexico, who topped Group A comprising Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Suriname, will now face Honduras in the final four (Thursday 3 July, kick-off 3am) at Levi's Stadium, California.
Honduras, whose best run in the competition came in the first edition in 1991 when they finished runners-up, overcame Panama on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, in a dramatic quarter-final encounter.
The competition concludes in Houston, Texas, on Sunday 6 July.
