Mexico beat US to win 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title
HOUSTON: Mexico defeated the United States 2-1 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday to successfully defend their CONCACAF Gold Cup crown and capture their 10th title in a pulsating final that delivered drama from start to finish. The US went ahead just four minutes in when Sebastian Berhalter's free-kick found Chris Richards, whose powerful header struck the underside of the crossbar and cannoned straight down, with the referee confirming the goal was good.
Mexico found the equalizer through Raul Jimenez in the 27th minute after the striker converted from close range. He then dedicated the goal to the late Diogo Jota, his former Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate, by holding up a Mexico shirt with the Portuguese forward's name on it. 'We came from behind and are leaving with the title,' Jimenez said. 'It's great and really important to clinch the crown a summer before the World Cup. It's something we've been trying to do since the tournament began.'
Despite Mexico's first-half dominance they struggled to capitalize on numerous golden opportunities. Roberto Alvarado and 16-year-old Gilberto Mora both tested US goalkeeper Matt Freese, with Mora's venomous long-range effort requiring a crucial save from the American shot-stopper. The US created chances through the slick combination play of Malik Tillman and Berhalter but could not breach Mexico's resolute defence again.
Alex Freeman came closest when his header struck Mexico goalkeeper Luis Malagon in the face and Diego Luna blazed the rebound over the crossbar. Mexico cranked up the pressure after the break and got the crucial second goal when Edson Alvarez powered home a header, though there was a nervous wait due to a VAR review for potential offside. However, the goal stood and the Mexican contingent erupted with wild celebrations. 'I'm speechless. We spent 35 days in intense training, away from our families, with the intention of winning. There's certainly room for improvement, but we're leaving happy and with our feet firmly on the ground,' midfielder Alvarez said. 'When they first disallowed the goal, it was crazy. It threw me off balance, but I was really happy to see that it was valid.'
Patrick Agyemang had the chance to equalize in the dying minutes but his finish just missed the mark in a tense finale as Mexico held firm to secure their triumph. Mexico's victory secures back-to-back Gold Cup triumphs and brings them a record-extending 10th crown. Mexico also won the CONCACAF Nations Championship, the Gold Cup's predecessor, three times.
'Massive lesson'
Although the US came up short, it will take valuable lessons from the tournament as they build towards next year's World Cup, coach Mauricio Pochettino said. Pochettino told reporters that while it had been a painful night for his side the tournament had been excellent preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which the US will co-host with Mexico and Canada. 'It was a massive lesson for us. It was an amazing tournament to realize in the way that we wanted to grow,' he added.
'This is the way that I think we are going to find the way to compete better and better, and be very competitive and be in the place that we wanted to be. 'When you lose a trophy or you lose a game it's really, really painful. But the most important thing is to have our head up because I think the tournament was fantastic and we keep going, that is the way we want to build our journey into the World Cup.'
The US reached the final despite missing several key players, with Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah controversially opting out while Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna and Tim Weah were unable to play due to Club World Cup obligations. However, Pochettino did not want to discuss the impact the absences had. 'I think the roster that we build is the roster that deserved to be here, and I think now is not the point to talk about the player that should be here or not,' he said. The US will next host South Korea and Japan in friendly matches in September. — Reuters
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