The USA faced off against fierce rivals Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final tonight. Starting off with a total of 16 teams, the Gold cup saw its fair share of shockers all across the tournament.
But ultimately it was the US and the Mexico who progressed through to the Finals. But their paths weren’t as smooth sailing though. Be it a last-minute winner for the Mexicans in the semifinals against the Canada or the Qatar missing a penalty in the semifinals, both the teams have had their moments of fortune to reach the coveted Finals.
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Given how hard fought all of their victories were and the intense rivalry both the teams share, this Gold Cup Finals matchup was a must-watch.
READ MORE- USA Star Christian Pulisic Impresses on Chelsea Return Against Arsenal
Miles Robinson scores last-minute winner to secure the Gold Cup for USA
The Finals between USA and Mexico got off to an electrifying start. With both the teams playing end to end football there was an abundance of scoring chances. While Matt Turner started off as the busier of the two goalkeepers, USA made a resounding comeback in the second half.
Creating a handful of chances, it looked like a matter of time before America broke the deadlock. But Alfredo Talavera had different plans. Coming up with some match-winning saves, USA and Mexico ended the 90 mins with a 0-0 scoreline.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/MmvWfI0eWn
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) August 2, 2021
Both the teams continued to struggle to break the deadlock. Scoreless at the end of the 117th minute, penalty shootout looked inevitable. But USA had a perfect chance as they got a free kick.
Kellyn Acosta who had been impressive all game long, whipped a perfect cross to the box. Miles Robinson rose between two Mexican defenders and connected a perfect header to give USA a crucial 1-0 lead.
A MASSIVE moment for Miles Robinson to cap a breakthrough tournament. 1-0 #USMNT!
(via @FoxSoccer) pic.twitter.com/iHZzJjBOzC
— Planet Fútbol (@si_soccer) August 2, 2021
It was too little too late for Mexico to make a comeback who despite dominating the possession failed to score. With this win, USA now have won their seventh Gold Cup and certainly avenged their 2019 Finals loss against Mexico.
Zardes and Co. celebrate in style after winning Gold Cup
Despite missing some of their biggest superstars in Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Giovanni Reyna to name a few, team USA put on a show in the Gold Cup tournament. After defeating their arch rivals, team USA certainly celebrated in some style.
🇺🇸🎉🎇 And there it is! The #GoldCup21🏆 !
The @USMNT are the proud champions!#ThisIsOurs #OurFinal pic.twitter.com/utEGA0y4Bz
— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) August 2, 2021
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🏆🙌 Berhalter, Zardes, the whole team and fans. A perfect end for @USMNT ‘s road in this #GoldCup21 🇺🇸👏
#ThisIsOurs #OurFinal pic.twitter.com/joQb6xYYLk
— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) August 2, 2021
IT’S COMING HOME! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/OIpKPl0FER
— Derek Shuman (@DerekShuman_) August 2, 2021
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Given how team USA have performed without some of their biggest names, it is scary to imagine how dominant they can be with all their young players back in their roster. With such a talented bunch of players available, are we seeing the golden period of USA football?
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