The North American Nations League semi-final match between the United States and Mexico was overshadowed by no fewer than four red cards and nine yellow cards. Both teams finished the match, which was won by the USA (3-0), with 9 players.
Twenty minutes before the end and with the score at 2-0, the first red card went to Mexican defender Cesar Montes after kicking against American newcomer Folarin Balogun. Later, a red card to American Weston McKinney, who played a part in the ensuing disorder, also followed.
Then substitute Pepe scored the third goal, followed by two more cards in the 85th minute. They were for Gerardo Arteaga of Mexico and former Ajax player Sergino Dest. They are kicked out after another massive brawl.
Ultimately, the match was called off in the last minutes due to homophobic chants from the Mexican crowd. Objects and drinks were also thrown onto the field from the stands. The referee exploded before half of the announced stoppage time, which amounted to 12 minutes, was left.
With this victory, soccer players of the United States qualified for the final of the CONCACAF Nations League, where they will meet Canada. The Canadiens defeated Panama 2-0.
Pulisic was satisfied with the result afterwards, but became frustrated with the way things were going. “It’s a great result for us, it’s a big win and we’re in the final,” said Pulisic. “But the game really shouldn’t have ended that crazy.”
The CONCACAF League of Nations is the counterpart of UEFA’s League of Nations and is intended for countries from the so-called CONCACAF region (North America, Central America and the Caribbean).
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