Mexico are back in the U-17 World Cup final after LA Galaxy midfielder Efrain Alvarez played a starring role in Thursday's semifinal clash against the Netherlands.
Alvarez started the game in Brasilia, Brazil, from the bench. And just a minute after entering the action in the 73rd minute he watched as the Dutch took a 1-0 lead through Youri Regeer.
But the East Los Angeles native played the hero in the 79th minute, scoring a sensational equalizer on a left-footed free-kick from range.
The game ended tied 1-1 before Mexico prevailed in a penalty shootout, despite Alvarez failing with a Panenka attempt for El Tri's first kick.
Mexico will play the winner of the second semifinal between France and Brazil in Sunday's final in the same stadium. This is Mexico's fourth trip to the U-17 World Cup final all-time, and they'll attempt to win their third world title at the age level, joining the triumphs in 2005 and 2011.
