USA vs. Mexico
A late goal in extra time gave the USA a 1-0 win over Mexico last night at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. By becoming the champions of the Gold Cup, the USA complete Dos a Cero because they also won the Nations League against Mexico earlier this summer.
Mexico would control the game and finish with 64% of possession. It was also a relatively smooth game – compared to their usually violent encounters – despite a recorded 51 fouls and 4 yellow cards. There was, however, a missed red card that should have been given to Mexican midfielder Héctor Herrera after he caught the American midfielder Eryk Williamson in the back of the head with his cleat.
Mexico would come up with more chances in the first half, but goalie Matt Turner would have another incredible game and deny those opportunities. The USA would create more chances in the second half including two one-on-ones but could not find the back of the net.
After 90 minutes the game was still 0-0 and needed extra time to find a champion. It was in the 117th minute that the USA would find their winning goal. The USA was awarded a freekick and midfielder Kellyn Acosta would play a perfect in swinging cross into the box. The American defender Miles Robinson was able to get his head on it and redirect it down off the ground and into the left side of the goal, to win the game for the USA.
In award ceremony to follow, Herrera would win the best player award and Matt Turner would win the best goalkeeper award for the tournament.
This win means that the USA are the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup Champions.
Photo: Flag USA of fans, from Shutterstock, made by Oleksii Sidorov
