On Sunday, Mexico triumphed over the United States with a score of 2-1, successfully defending their CONCACAF Gold Cup title and setting a new record with their 10th win.
Mexico’s captain Edson Alvarez scored a decisive header with just 13 minutes remaining, securing a comeback victory for ‘El Tri’ in a fiercely contested encounter between the long-standing North American rivals and hosts of the 2026 World Cup.
The result was a fitting reward for Mexico, who had asserted their dominance for extended periods against an inexperienced USA team managed by Mauricio Pochettino, who were missing several key players for the tournament.
Alvarez’s moment of glory marked a remarkable return to Houston, where he had been seen in tears and limping off during Mexico’s opening match of the Copa America last year.
“This moment is very emotional for me,” the West Ham midfielder expressed in an interview following the match.
“Since arriving in Houston, I’ve been reflecting on that heartbreak. I just hoped life would offer me one more moment of joy.“
The USA got off to a dream start, with centre-back Chris Richards heading the hosts ahead in the fourth minute before a crowd of nearly 71,000 at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
A curling free-kick from Sebastian Berhalter put pressure on the Mexican defence, leading to Richards glancing in a powerful header that hit the underside of the crossbar and crossed the line.
However, this early goal would be the USA’s best opportunity of a first half that Mexico largely controlled, with the visitors spending most of the opening 45 minutes in the host nation’s half.
Teenage sensation Gilberto Mora came close to equalising for Mexico in the 24th minute, but his curling effort was saved by USA goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Just three minutes later, Mexico found their equaliser. Veteran striker Raul Jimenez received a perfectly timed pass from Marcel Ruiz and smashed a powerful shot into the roof of the net.
Tribute to Jota
In celebration, Jimenez unveiled a shirt bearing the name and number 20 of his late former Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate Diogo Jota, the Liverpool and Portugal star who tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain last week.
Mexico continued to create the better chances for the remainder of the first half, and Roberto Alvarado had a low shot saved by Freese in the 35th minute.
Freese was called into action once more five minutes before half-time, keeping out a powerful effort from Mora that was heading for the top corner.
As the first half drew to a close, Alex Freeman nearly restored the USA’s lead after capitalising on hesitation from goalkeeper Angel Malagon, but his header struck the face of the Mexico keeper.
The second half mirrored the first, with Mexico appearing far more menacing while the USA struggled to threaten at the opposite end.
The breakthrough finally came in the 77th minute when a flick-on from Johan Vazquez’s free-kick found Alvarez, who powerfully directed a header past Freese.
The initial goal was ruled out for offside, but replays confirmed Alvarez was onside. Following a review by the Video Assistant Referee, the decision was reversed, and the goal stood.
With this victory, Mexico has now claimed the Gold Cup a remarkable 10 times, compared to the USA’s seven titles.
“Of course, we’re disappointed not to have secured the win,” remarked USA captain Tim Ream post-match. “We started very well, but then they took control in the second part of the first half. We lacked a bit of composure when we regained possession, which prevented us from keeping the pressure on.“
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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