Rivalry Renewed:CONCACAF Giants meet in the Championship
“We want Mexico, We want Mexico” chants erupted Wednesday night as The US Men’s National Team comfortably defeated Jamaica 3-1 behind a brace by Christian Pullisic to advance to the Gold Cup Final in Chicago, Illinois. El Tri had previously earned their place in the Final after a controversial overtime win over Haiti; In their version of the “No Era Penal” and saw an end to their fairytale run. This will be the sixth time these two giants face each other in the Gold Cup championship with Mexico seeing four victories to one defeat, in what some may call a rivalry renewed.
The USMNT and the Seleccion de Mexico last faced off in the tournaments final back in 2011, with El Tri having a come from behind win. The United States shocked spectators everywhere going up 2-0 early in the match. The celebrations wouldn’t last long as El Tri would equalize and top it off with a beautiful play between Giovanni Dos Santos and the USMNT defense to end it 4-2 after 90’ minutes. Needless to say it is a rematch that has been a long time coming.
El Tri began the tournament with comfortable wins in each one of their games in the group stage. They defeated Cuba 7-0, Canada 3-1 and Martinique 3-2 to lock up first place and leaders in their group. Thus far, Tata Martino’s men had managed to score a minimum of three goals per game. Heading into their Quarter-Final match-up versus Costa Rica in Houston, TX the Mexican National team were heavy favorites, Raul Jimenez managed to put EL Tri up 1-0 heading into the break but a controversial penalty evened things up in the second half for Los Ticos. After 90’ and two 15’ minute halves of overtime EL Tri defeated Costa Rica 5-4 after heroic performance by Ochoa in penalties to advance. The Seleccion de Mexico needed extra time in the SemifInals to defeat Haiti 1-0 behind a controversial call. El Tri has only managed to score one goal in each of their last two matches after averaging 3 in the first few games under Martino.
The USMNT is coming into the Final game of the tournament as the best defensive team. In the five games disputed they have conceded just one goal. They defeated Guyana 4-0, Trinidad and Tobago 6-0 and a narrow 1-0 over Panama to win their group. Although the score sheet would indicate that America’s team cruised their way into the knock out stages their only convincing win was over Trinidad and Tobago where they looked as a team that had found their identity. The U.S went on to face Curacao in the quarterfinals where they scored early and defended the lead until the end of 90’ minutes. Jamaica came in and gave it all they had to the U.S in their semifinal match up even scoring the only goal the U.S had allowed all tournament but the U.S looked comfortable for the first time as it cruised to a 3-1 win behind Pullisic’s best game with the National team.
It is a rivalry that has existed for many years marking this the 72nd time they will face-off in all competitions. The USMNT will look to celebrate on the same field they defeated EL Tri back in 2007 in Soldier Field. Although it is a rivalry that is not new for many of us, it is a rivalry reborn for this new generation as we enter a new era for both The USMNT and The Seleccion de Mexico.
