14 hours ago
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England or DR Congo next
©IMAGO
No World Cup goals in 2014, none in 2018, and there was also a goose egg next to Raúl Jiménez’s name at the 2022 tournament. But Jiménez's goal drought at the World Cup finally came to an end this summer when he scored in the 2-0 win over South Africa. That goal saw Jiménez equal Jared Borgetti’s 46 goals for Mexico. Only Chicharito (52 goals) has scored more often for Mexico.
Against Ecuador (2-0), Jiménez got his second goal of the tournament. That goal paved the way for Mexico to win their first knockout-stage game at a World Cup since beating Bulgaria in 1986 (2-0). Like today, Mexico were also the host at that tournament. As the graphic above shows, the striker, who will return to Wolverhampton Wanderers after the tournament, now ranks second among Mexico’s top goalscorers. At 35, Jiménez won’t have much time left to catch up to Chicharito. But the victory over Ecuador ensures that Jiménez will at least have one more opportunity to close the gap at this tournament.
Mexico will face the winner of the England vs DR Congo match at the Azteca on July 5. Unless DR Congo manages a massive upset, Jiménez will be facing off against the country that he calls his home. The forward has scored 68 goals and 24 assists in 233 Premier League games. This year he managed a respectable nine goals and three assists in 36 Premier League games for Fulham. In other words, there will be some familiarity for Jiménez should Mexico indeed face Mexico at the Azteca.
More than just Jiménez – What can England expect from Mexico?
While Jiménez will be a significant threat. Mexico are more than just the Premier League striker. Indeed, these days, the most important goalscorer for El Tri is Julián Quiñones. Quiñones has already scored three goals in four games at this tournament. Then there is wonderkid Gilberto Mora. Transfermarkt has already profiled Mora, who became the sixth youngest player in World Cup history in the opener against South Africa. Those three are the players to watch, but for now, it was another special moment for Jiménez as he continues to chase history.
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