Chicharito and Mexico qualify for 2018 FIFA World Cup finals

Chicharito and Mexico are off to Russia 2018

 

Chicharito and Mexico have qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals after beating Panama 1-0 in Mexico City on Friday evening.

The West Ham United forward played the full 90 minutes at the Azteca Stadium, where Hirving Lozano’s second-half goal secured El Tri’s progress to Russia.

Mexico became the fifth team to secure a spot at next summer's competition, joining host Russia, Brazil, Iran and Japan.

Chicharito was at his lively best on home turf playing in the 26th FIFA World Cup qualifier of his illustrious career, unleashing three shots on Panama’s goal, and he now has the opportunity to play at his third finals.

The Hammers forward was making his 97th appearance for his country and will hope to reach his century before next summer’s tournament.

Cap number 98 should arrive on Tuesday evening, when Mexico travel to Costa Rica. Should they win, Chicharito and company will secure a first-place finish in the CONCACAF qualification table.

For details of how West Ham’s other internationals fared on Friday, click here.