In a thrilling showdown at NRG Stadium, Mexico clinched a record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title, defeating the United States 2-1. The match began with the U.S. taking an early lead; Chris Richards scored in the fourth minute by heading in a free kick from Sebastián Berhalter. However, Mexico quickly equalized in the 27th minute with Raúl Jiménez finding the net, marking his third goal of the tournament.
The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Edson Álvarez scored after a video assistant referee review overturned an initial offside call. The goal, set up by Johan Vásquez’s flicked restart, showcased Álvarez’s agility as he redirected the ball from close range into the net. The victory marked Mexico’s successful title defense and improved their record against the U.S. in Gold Cup finals to 6-2.
Despite the U.S. taking an early advantage, Mexico controlled the game with 60% of possession and 12 corner kicks, underscoring their dominance throughout. A late attempt by Patrick Agyemang in stoppage time was thwarted by Mexican goalkeeper Luis Malagón.
The crowd of 70,925 was predominantly supportive of Mexico, booing U.S. players during warmups. For the U.S., this match was the final competitive outing before co-hosting next year’s World Cup, featuring a lineup largely lacking regular starters due to vacations and injuries. Coach Mauricio Pochettino evaluated up-and-coming players, with Luna and Agyemang emerging as potential World Cup roster candidates. Jiménez’s goal was particularly emotional, as he dedicated it to his late former teammate Diogo Jota by wearing a jersey with Jota’s name post-goal.
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