the expense of arch-rivals United States.
Paul Aguilar struck with two minutes remaining in extra time as
Mexico overcame United States 3-2 to book their spot at the
2017 Confederations Cup.
Penalties looked likely after Bobby Wood and Oribe Peralta
exchanged goals in either half of extra time in California on
Saturday.
But Aguilar popped up with a memorable volley from an acute
angle in the 118th minute at Rose Bowl as Mexico claimed the
winner-takes-all CONCACAF Cup play-off and a trip to Russia
two years from now.
Mexico were a class above throughout the fixture - a contest
between the winners of the two Gold Cups prior to the
Confederations Cup - and the 2015 Gold Cup champions took
the lead in the 10th minute.
After a frenetic start to proceedings, Javier Hernandez
combined with Peralta and scuffed his shot past USA
goalkeeper Guzan for his 42nd international goal.
USA eventually found their feet and levelled the match within five
minutes.
A teasing free-kick across the six-yard box from Michael
Bradley picked out defender Geoff Cameron, who headed
powerfully past Moises Munoz.
Bradley was at the centre of all USA's plays throughout the first
half, and the Toronto FC star came close on two occasions to
put the hosts ahead.
The 28-year-old made a streaking run through midfield in the
32nd minute, drifting past two defenders but fluffed his shot
wide of the post, before forcing Munoz into a scrambling low
save on the stroke of half-time.
It was more of the same early in the second half as Mexico
settled quickest.
Guzan was quick off his line to deny Raul Jimenez from close
range two minutes after the break.
Mexico continued to press USA back into their own third and
went within a whisker of taking the lead just shy of the hour-
mark, when Hernandez failed to make clean contact with the
ball as he attempted a back heel inside the six-yard box.
USA, though, held firm as the match headed into extra time after
Mexico's cries for handball on Matt Besler and a penalty were
ignored during the closing stages of regulation.
Visibly tired, USA were caught napping early in the additional
period, though Guzan was on hand to deny Peralta in the 93rd
minute.
Peralta was not to be denied three minutes later, however,
controlling the ball inside the box and firing low past Guzan.
But just as USA appeared to be out on their feet, second-half
substitute Wood guided the ball through the legs of the
advancing Munoz in the 108th minute.
In another twist, however, Aguilar produced a world-class strike
inside the final two minutes before penalties to send Mexico to
Russia.
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