Gold Cup: USA vs. Mexico – Everything You Need to Know
The most historic rivalry in Concacaf will be reignited this Sunday when the United States takes on Mexico in the Gold Cup final at NRG Stadium in Houston. The U.S. is set to compete in its record 13th Gold Cup final, while Mexico is making its 12th appearance in this prestigious match, reaching four consecutive finals for the first time in the team’s history. As the reigning champions of both the Gold Cup and the Nations League, Mexico is aiming for an unprecedented 10th title, striving to be the first team to win back-to-back Gold Cups since their triumphs in 2009 and 2011.
How to Watch United States vs. jili Mexico
Coverage of the Gold Cup final between the U.S. and Mexico will kick off on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on FOX and via the FOX Sports app.
How the U.S. Got Here
The United States secured its place in the final by defeating Guatemala 2-0 in the semifinals, thanks to a stellar performance from Diego Luna, marking the first semifinal brace by any player since Christian Pulisic did it for the U.S. in 2019 against Jamaica. With this match, the U.S. set a record for the most Gold Cup finals played, having won the tournament seven times, which is second only to Mexico’s nine titles. okebet online sabong
This marks the U.S.’s return to the Gold Cup final, having last competed in 2021 after being eliminated in the 2023 semifinals delivery tracker. Remarkably, the U.S. has never missed consecutive Gold Cup finals, and it had reached the final three times in a row prior to 2023. Currently, the U.S. holds an unbeaten record in six consecutive competitive meetings against Mexico, with five wins and one draw. The only draw occurred during a World Cup qualifier at Azteca in 2022, while Mexico’s last competitive victory over the U.S. was in the 2019 Gold Cup final.
Diego Luna and Malik Tillman have significantly raised their profiles on the team, with both players leading the squad with three goals each in the tournament. Tillman has played every minute, leading in tackles (19), interceptions (eight), and recoveries (30), while Luna has contributed with 165 touches in the attacking half.
Chris Richards has become a key player for the U.S. defense, having made 30 appearances at just 25 years old. He netted the winning goal against Saudi Arabia in the group stages and has played nearly every minute in the tournament. Patrick Agyemang also made his mark by scoring twice, including the vital goal against Haiti.
How Mexico Got Here
In the semifinals, both the U.S. and Mexico overcame Central American opponents by a single goal, but Mexico showcased greater dominance. El Tri triumphed over Honduras with a 1-0 victory, allowing only six shots and a mere 0.1 expected goals from their opponents. Mexico now aims to defend its title after claiming victory against Panama in the 2023 final with an 88th-minute goal from Santiago Giménez. They look to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since 2011.
Since conceding two goals to the Dominican Republic in the opening match, Mexico has gone on to achieve four consecutive shutouts, allowing a total of 18 shots with just 0.7 expected goals in those matches. They hold the tournament record for the fewest shots allowed per game and the lowest expected goals per shot.
Raúl Jiménez stands out as one of Mexico’s experienced players, having made 118 appearances and scoring 42 goals for the national team. He leads the team with 11 shots in the tournament. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Gilberto Mora made headlines as the youngest player to provide an assist for Mexico. Captain Edson Álvarez has played all 450 minutes of the tournament, vying for his third Gold Cup championship.
César Montes has made a significant impact, returning after a suspension and scoring three goals, the joint-highest tally among active players in the tournament. play bk8
Conclusion
The upcoming final promises to be a thrilling clash between two fierce rivals, both determined to etch their names in Gold Cup history. The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown. Will the U tp link.S. add to its tally of titles, or will Mexico extend its legacy in the tournament?
What are your predictions for the final match?
