Watch Jimenez's dramatic bicycle kick that saved Mexico's World Cup qualifying hopes against Panama with just five minutes to go

By David Kent

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In any situation Raul Jimenez's bicycle for Mexico would make it deserving all-time highlights reels - that it came with five minutes to go in a must-win World Cup qualifier confirms it as one of the greats.

With the World Cup finals regulars hopes of getting to Brazil fading fading fast as they looked to drop two points, Jimenez received a bobbling past at the top of the penalty area.

Minutes earlier, Panama had scored an equaliser that would have given them the box seat for the final available CONCACEF spot in Brazil and condemned Mexico to rely on other results.

Spectacular: This remarkable scissor-kick from Mexico's Raul Jimenez may have saved their World Cup

Spectacular: This remarkable scissor-kick from Mexico's Raul Jimenez may have saved their World Cup

Cut back to Jimenez - his first touch of the bouncing ball looked poor, but he turned it into spun gold.

With two defenders at close quarters, the America striker launched airbound and guided a fierce scissor-kick in off the left post. Panama keeper Jaime Penedo had no chance.

VIDEO Scroll down for Raul Jimenez's timely bicycle kick heroics

Freakish: Jimenez (centre) celebrates his feat with teammates Javier Hernandez (left) and Oribe Peralta (right)

Freakish: Jimenez (centre) celebrates his feat with teammates Javier Hernandez (left) and Oribe Peralta (right)

jimenez

Heartbreaker: Panama players are devastated after the Jimenez's flip made their qualify hopes diminish

Heartbreaker: Panama players are devastated after the Jimenez's flip made their qualify hopes diminish

The victory puts Mexico ahead of Panama in the final round of CONCACEF qualifying.

The US and Costa Rica are already going to Brazil, with Honduras in third guaranteed at least the play-off spot against New Zealand, the winner of the Oceania group.

With one match remaining, Panama must beat USA and hope Mexico lose to Costa Rica in a result that bridges the two goal defecit in their goal difference.

 

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