2025 Gold Cup Quarterfinals: Honduras Shocks Panama, Mexico edges the Saudis

Honduras does the impossible, while Mexico it's business as usual

The quarterfinal doubleheader at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, was filled with excitement, shock, and awe, with some plays that no one thought were possible. But it's going to set up for an interesting Semi-final between the two winners. We had a strong start so far.

PANAMA 1(4: 1(5 HONDURAS - 6 ROUNDS OF PENALTIES

Many thought the Canal Boys would demolish every opponent coming their way, and while they did that in the group stage, somehow they got behind the eight ball and were forced to the end in the shootout.

Panama would score inside first half stoppage time when a foul got called inside the Honduran area. Ismael Diaz, who has been scoring goals like crazy, converted his spot kick inside the first minute of stoppage time and gave his side the lead.

Late in the match, in the 82nd minute, Honduras found the equalizer as they earned a corner at the far side. As the ball entered the area, it pinballed between a couple of players, but when it got toward Carlos Pineda, his shot was redirected by Antony Lozano at the far post.

No goals in extra time, so straight to penalties as Panama went first. Both teams converted their chances in the first two rounds. But in the third round of the shootout, Panama missed. Aníbal Godoy ripped his penalty to the right and nailed the far post and out.

Joseph Rosales took the third spot kick for Honduras, but it was saved by Orlando Mosquera. But VAR reviewed it and saw Mosquera leaving his line a bit early before Rosales took it, then on the retry, he converted.

Both teams converted in their fourth round, but in the fifth round, Eric Davis scored for Panama while Anthony Lozano of Honduras was stopped by Mosquera. In the final round, Eduardo Guerrero of Panama was stopped, which gave Carlos Pineda a chance to win it, and he converted.

MEXICO 2:0 SAUDI ARABIA

Mexico was facing a very strong defensive side in Saudi Arabia, as they faced the guest team from the Asian Football Confederation. But at the end of the day, it would be El Tri that advances to the Quarterfinals.

No goals in the first half, but they finally scored in the second half. Mexico got the advantage in the 49th minute. As Saudi Arabia restarted the play, they sent the ball toward a Mexican player. Then a pass to Raul Jimenez started the attacking run. He was stopped by two defenders, then a backheel to Alexis Vega, making a run, took the shot, was saved, but got the rebound.

VAR was looking at the play for the possibility of an offside that was missed, but after the check was complete, the referee blew his whistle and pointed to say goal. All the fans and the players rejoiced.

Late in the match, Mexico found a way to get the second goal, but with help. In the 81st minute, Mexico went on an attacking run, and as the ball was coming down the near side. When they got inside the area, the cross came, and unfortunately for Saudi Arabia, their defender Abdullah Madu headed the ball off his right shoulder, and then into the net.

Now we turn our attention toward the other Quarterfinals at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

2025 CONCACAF GOLD CUP QUARTERFINALS DAY 2

CANADA Vs. GUATEMALA 4:00 PM EDT FOX SPORTS 1

USA Vs. COSTA RICA 7:00 PM EDT FOX