Mexico retain CONCACAF Gold Cup trophy with 2-1 win against USA

The South American team successfully defended the Gold Cup title.

Mexico successfully retained the CONCACAF Gold Cup when they rallied from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory against the USA in the final.

The difference came from Edson Álvarez’s goal in the 77th minute, which was given following a dramatic VAR review.

The U.S. were minutes into the match, even before the 70,925 spectators here had had a chance to take their seats. On the right, Patrick Agyemang was awarded a free kick. It was whipped into the box by Sebastian Berhalter. A world-class header was scored by Chris Richards, who nodded it over Mexican goalkeeper Luis Malagón, onto the crossbar, and just across the line.

Players and spectators alike stopped for a few nervous seconds, not knowing if the ball had crossed the line completely. However, his flag was raised by the assistant referee.

When Mario Escobar, the head referee, saw it, he whistled for a goal. As U.S. teammates cheered, Richards wheeled away in jubilation, holding a finger to his ear.

The replays weren’t conclusive. The call was made on the field, and CONCACAF, the regional soccer governing body that oversees the Gold Cup, does not use goal-line technology. But the U.S. were ebullient, and it was a goal.

El Tri’s quality started to shine throughout an exciting first half. Marcel Ruíz, Álvarez, and 16-year-old Gilberto Mora took over. When possession changed hands, the U.S. found it difficult to break out of their defensive shell and deal with the movement in midfield.

Subsequently, they found the back of the net in the 27th minute through Raul Jimenez, but had to work hard for the winning goal and as they dug deep and their resilience bore fruit when Edson Alvarez gave them the winning goal.

Since their Mexican counterparts won the Gold Cup twice in 2009 and 2011, they were the first team to win and retain a Gold Cup championship.

Next summer, they will once again be the undisputed rulers of North America going into their home World Cup.

FAQs

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.