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José Canale’s Penalty Stuns Germany: How Liga MX’s Young Star Became the Hero Mexico Needed
José Canale, the 22-year-old midfielder from Liga MX’s Monterrey, scored the decisive penalty in a shootout to eliminate Germany from the 2024 Copa América, securing Mexico’s spot in the knockout stage. The victory marked the first time Mexico has advanced past the group stage of the tournament since 2019, with Canale’s moment cementing his place as a rising star in Mexican football.
Germany, the reigning European champions, had dominated possession and created chances but were undone by Mexico’s defensive organization and a shootout where only Canale’s spot-kick found the net. The result sends shockwaves through European football, where Germany’s struggles in recent tournaments have deepened concerns over their squad’s consistency.
For Mexico, the win is a statement of intent ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil, where Canale—who plays for Monterrey in Liga MX—will be a key figure in the national team’s campaign.
José Canale’s penalty eliminated Germany from the 2024 Copa América after a 1-1 draw in regular play, sending Mexico through to the knockout stage. The 22-year-old Liga MX midfielder scored the decisive spot-kick in a shootout, becoming an instant hero for Mexico. Germany, who had beaten Mexico 4-2 in their last meeting (2022 World Cup), were undone by Mexico’s defensive structure and a shootout where only Canale’s kick was on target. The result highlights Mexico’s growing depth in youth players and Germany’s continued struggles in major tournaments.
How a 22-Year-Old Midfielder Became Mexico’s Hero
José Canale’s name was barely on the lips of Mexican football fans before Thursday’s Copa América match against Germany. But in the space of 12 minutes—first with a crucial defensive intervention and then with the winning penalty—he transformed from an unheralded Liga MX player into a national icon.
The match itself was a tactical masterclass from Mexico manager Gerardo Martino. Germany, who had entered the tournament as heavy favorites, controlled 62% of possession according to CONMEBOL’s official match data, but struggled to break down Mexico’s low block. The key moment came in the 68th minute when Canale intercepted a through-ball from Germany’s Florian Wirtz, intercepting the pass and setting up a counterattack that led to Mexico’s equalizer.
With the score tied at 1-1 after 120 minutes of play, the match moved to penalties. Mexico’s first five takers—Henry Martín, Sebastián Córdova, Jesús Gallardo, Edson Álvarez, and Alejandro Zendejas—all found the net. Germany’s first four—Jamal Musiala, Niclas Füllkrug, Florian Wirtz, and Leroy Sané—also scored, setting up Canale’s moment.
Canale’s penalty was his first for Mexico at the senior level. He stepped up, placed the ball to the goalkeeper’s left, and watched as Manuel Neuer palmed the shot wide. The stadium erupted, and Mexico’s players mobbed their teammate in celebration.
“We knew we had to be patient,” Canale said in his first post-match interview, his voice still trembling with emotion. “But when the moment came, I just thought about all the support I’ve had from Monterrey and from Mexico. It was for them.”
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