The “dream final” at the Gold Cup in the USA and Canada is set: Co-hosts USA will challenge record winners Mexico on Sunday.
The USA and Mexico have always had a special relationship. Fans of both sides will once again be able to enjoy the sporting rivalry in a grand final this weekend. The Mexicans followed the co-hosts into the Gold Cup final.
Initially, it was the US boys who held their final ticket in their hands and could dream of a home coup. Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s team outplayed Canada’s conquerors Guatemala 2-1 in an electric atmosphere at Energizer Park.
As in the quarter-final against Costa Rica, when he scored the crucial 1-1 equaliser shortly before half-time, 21-year-old Real Salt Lake midfielder Luna played a key role. This time, the whirlwind scored twice in eleven minutes to put the USA decisively on the road to victory after just a quarter of an hour (4th, 15th).
“Every single one of these players thinks the same way I do: this is our biggest dream as a child, and we will fight to get the chance to wear this jersey as often as possible,” Luna said proudly after the final whistle. The home World Cup in their own country is getting closer. With his third goal in only his tenth senior international, the youngster has certainly increased his chances of achieving the highlight of his career.
Opponents Guatemala fought hard and brought some excitement back into the game with Escobar’s goal in the 80th minute. However, the USA defended their place in the final.
Jimenez makes the difference
And, as expected, Pochettino’s team will face Mexico in the final, who also narrowly defeated Honduras in the second semi-final. The match winner for the record winners of the competition (twelve titles) was striker Jimenez. The Fulham FC forward scored the winning goal five minutes after the break. For the fourth time in a row, the Mexicans did not concede a goal.
That wall will have to be broken when the USA, who have won the Gold Cup seven times, challenge the record winners in the final on Monday (1 a.m.) in Houston, Texas.