SAN JOSE: Mexico defeated the United States 2-1 to retain the CONCACAF Gold Cup and lift the title for a record-extending 10th time on Sunday night.
A 77th-minute header from Mexico skipper Edson Alvarez completed a comeback victory after a typically hard-fought tussle between the North American arch-rivals and 2026 World Cup co-hosts.
The win was no less than Mexico deserved after dominating for long periods against Mauricio Pochettino’s inexperienced USA side, which went into the tournament missing several first-choice regulars.
The USA got off to a dream start when centre-back Chris Richards headed the hosts into a fourth-minute lead in front of just under 71,000 fans at NRG Stadium.
Sebastian Berhalter’s perfectly flighted free-kick sowed panic in the Mexican defence, and Crystal Palace defender Richards stooped for a powerful header which cannoned off the underside of the bar and over the line.
That early effort was to be the USA’s best chance of a first half that Mexico controlled for the most part.
Mexico’s 16-year-old prodigy Gilberto Mora threatened to grab an equaliser in the 24th minute, but his curling shot was saved by USA goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Three minutes later, Mexico drew level. Marcel Ruiz threaded a superb pass to veteran striker Raul Jimenez, who crashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
The breakthrough finally came 13 minutes from time, when Johan Vazquez’s flick-on from a free-kick was met by Alvarez, who powered a header into the net.
The goal was flagged offside, but replays showed Alvarez was clearly onside and VAR overturned the decision to give Mexico a record 10th Gold Cup, three more than the USA. Agencies
Also Read: Assam win 16 medals in Junior National Wushu (Boys and Girls) Championship
Also Watch: