The Mexican National Team took on its bitter rival the USMNT at the Soldier Field in Chicago and the stakes were high. El Tri captured another Gold Cup with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal by Jonathan Dos Santos.
First Half
The 2019 Gold Cup final kicked off to a fast start as both Mexico and the USMNT went up and down the field during the first five minutes of the match. Christian Pulisic made a run into the edge of the box. The first scoring chance by the US was saved by Guillermo Ochoa. Moments later, Jozy Altidore had another chance to score but went wide of the net.
The game turned into a physical affair at the ten-minute mark as Altidore made a hard tackle on Jonathan Dos Santos. He was not booked by the referee, a common theme throughout the match. El Tri had another chance to score as Andrea Guardado went wide off a cross by Rodolfo Pizarro at the 15th minute mark. The match seemed to be too rough for the Guatemalan referee to control.
The Mexican XI gained ball possession over time. Nonetheless, they seemed hesitant in their ball movement. Despite not having the ball nearing the end of the first half, the USMNT showed good defense on their half of the pitch.
The first half ended on a worrying note for Mexico as Pizarro went down on his elbow in a hard fall.
The score remained intact at the end of the first half, 0-0.
Second Half
Pizarro was back for the second half after a scary elbow injury. The USMNT seemed eager to get on the scoreboard during the opening minutes of the half. A couple of hard shots were saved by the Mexican defense inside the box.
El Tri showed good speed as they moved quickly down the field. This forced the U.S. to halt their opposition by way of fouls. The Aztec squad had a scoring chance off a free kick taken by Guardado that went wide thanks to a header by Raul Jimenez.
Mexico looked superior around the hour mark. They made it tough on the United States to get out their own half of the pitch. They had a few scoring chances thanks to Jimenez, Uriel Antuna, and Jesus Gallardo. However, they lacked in finishing their chances.
Jonathan Dos Santos Strikes Gold
Dos Santos struck gold off a set of quick passes, scoring a beauty off the crossbar aided by a heel pass from Pizzaro. Mexico took the lead at the 72nd minute.
WHAT A GOAL! QUE GOLAZO! 🔥🔥🔥
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 8, 2019
Jonathan dos Santos finishes off a beautiful team goal to give Mexico the lead late in this #GoldCup2019 final 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/gr18Y5GDok
The American XI was not going down without a fight. Matt Miazga and Pulisic had a couple of dangerous chances at the 85th minute as Mexico let their foot off the gas near the end. Fortunately for El Tri, Ochoa once again came out big for his team.
WHAT A CHANCE!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 8, 2019
The USMNT is knocking on the door for a late equalizer and nearly get it from Roldan, but Ochoa parries it away. Just a few minutes left! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/nE8io85SBr
The United States ran out of time to equalize the score.
Final Score:
Mexico 1-0 United States
El Tri wins its eighth CONCACAF Gold Cup
Postgame Reactions
Coach Gerardo Martino stated that stablishing and keeping up with “a style of play” is extremely important aside from winningth Gold Cup. When asked about how he felt about winning the title he said he felt “freed” from pressure after losing international finals with Argentina in the past.
Check out Mexico’s past Gold Cup performances as well.
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