Mexico 1-0 USA
United States soccer will have to settle for just one championship out of a possible two. While the USWNT successfully defended their Women’s World Cup title, the USMNT were unable to defend theirs as they were edged out in the final by Mexico, 1-0.
Jonathan dos Santos’ second-half goal was enough to see El Tri crowned Gold Cup champions for a record eighth time.
The USMNT, who came in as slight underdogs according to the Gold Cup 2019 odds, had a couple of terrific opportunities early in the match to take the lead. But they were unable to convert, which cost them dearly in the end.
Highlights of the game
Mexico coach Tata Martino made Gold Cup 2019 news prior to the match by stressing the importance of his team stopping American star Christian Pulisic in the final. But despite their manager’s warnings, the Mexicans very nearly let Pulisic put the Americans ahead after just five minutes.
After some good hold-up play by Jozy Altidore, the 20-year-old blew past a Mexico defender and was one-on-one with Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. However, Pulisic was unable to get his shot past the veteran, who made a crucial stop.
The USMNT had another glorious opportunity to go ahead just a couple minutes later. This time, Altidore did expertly well to control a long ball and lost his defender in order to work another one-on-one situation with Ochoa.
The Mexico keeper wasn’t able to make a save this time around, but he didn’t have to as Altidore dragged his attempt just wide of goal.
At the other end, Mexico came close with an attempt from captain Andres Guardado, who made a strong run into the box in time to meet a Rodolfo Pizarro cross. But he was under pressure from a US defender, which contributed to him blazing his effort over the bar.
The US had another great chance to take the lead at the half-hour mark. Some miscommunication from the Mexico defence allowed Paul Arriola to get on the end of a ball inside the penalty area. Fortunately for the Mexicans, though, their error didn’t end up costing them as Arriola’s attempt at goal went wide.
Mexico continued to struggle to create clear-cut goalscoring opportunities. Although, Jonathan dos Santos’ speculative strike just before half-time had US keeper Zack Steffen scrambling even though it was off target.
But again, it was the US who came close six minutes after the break. Jordan Morris’ header off a corner was cleared off the line by Guardado.
Meanwhile, Guardado didn’t seem to have his shooting boots on as he failed to hit the target on a hat-trick of shots from just outside the box. Star striker Raul Jimenez also had a couple of chances from around the six-yard box, but he too couldn’t find the net.
But luckily for Mexico, Jonathan dos Santos did. After a lovely layoff from Jimenez, the Mexico midfielder did brilliantly to sort out his feet as his shot looped over Steffen, clipped the underside of the bar and in.
The US had one last chance to equalise in the 88th minute, but Mexico just about managed to hang on and claim their record eighth Gold Cup crown.
Key statistics
The statistics will show that Mexico seemingly dominated the final. They controlled 57 per cent of possession and outshot the Americans, 20-11.
However, those numbers do not tell the entire story. El Tri didn’t exactly threaten the US with those shots, most of which were outside the penalty area.
Meanwhile, the US’s two early chances were arguably the best in the game apart from the goal. Pulisic performed well as he had two of the US’s three shots on target. He could have changed the entire complexion of the match had he taken his early chance on goal.
He didn’t though, and as a result, Mexico have extended their lead on the US in terms of overall Gold Cup titles, 8-6. The US have now finished runners-up five times, with all five defeats coming against Mexico.
What’s next?
For Mexico, they will likely be spending the next few days celebrating their accomplishment. After all, this is their first Gold Cup title since 2015.
As for the US, they will look to build off this tournament as coach Gregg Berhalter continues to mould and shape the team into his image.
Both teams will be off for the next few months and will return in October for the start of CONCACAF Nations League qualifying. As the name suggests, it is similar to the UEFA version with separate leagues dividing the confederation.
But much like the Gold Cup, the USA and Mexico will be the overwhelming favourites to win that tournament as well, so anyone eager to wager on them better head on over to SBOBET in a few months’ time.
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