On Thursday, Mexico defeated Costa Rica on penalties following a scoreless draw in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals. Mexico will now face the United States, who conquered Honduras 1-0 earlier in the day off a late goal, in the inaugural final.

Mexico had several early chances to score, including Lozano's remarkable off-balance shot in the 7th minute. In the 20th minute, Diego Lainez had a good chance for El Tri, but his shot went flying inches wide of the goal post. Costa Rica was able to stay defensively tight and prevent Mexico's talented roster from scoring.

However, as full-time approached, the game became tense. Four yellow cards would be exchanged between the two teams in the final ten minutes as tempers flared. In addition, the game was briefly halted during stoppage time in accordance with CONCACAF's protocol on discrimination due to homophobic chants coming from fans in the stands.

The game then went to penalties, with Mexico winning 5-4 after keeper Guillermo Ochoa parried Costa Rica's final attempt to seal the win. It was Mexico's third penalty-kick victory over Costa Rica.

Mexico will now take on their bitter rivals from the US in the inagural final of this tournament. It will certainly be a matchup to keep your eyes on.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Matt Trappe]