Mexico claimed the CONCACAF Gold Cup title for a record 10th time after defeating the United States 2-1 in an action-packed final at NRG Stadium on Sunday. Captain Edson Alvarez sealed the win with a powerful 77th-minute header, as his team launched a spirited recovery against their North American rivals.
The United States fantasized about a great start, advancing just four minutes into the match. The center-back Chris Richards headed Sebastian Berhalter’s well-placed free-kick with force, hitting the underside of the bar and in to leave the hosts ahead 1-0 in front of nearly 71,000 fans.
Mexico resisted stubbornly. Teenager sensation Gilberto Mora forced U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese into a save in the 24th minute, and just three minutes afterward, Marcel Ruiz sent through a fine pass to Raul Jimenez, who knocked a shot into the back of the net to tie the game. Jimenez made a gesture of tribute by holding up a jersey in memory of his late ex-Wolverhampton Wolves teammate Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash earlier last week. We were friends, Jimenez said. “I had to steal that moment from him.”
Mexico maintained control of the first half. Freese stayed busy, recording several important saves to stop Mora and Roberto Alvarado. The USA received a similar opportunity around halftime, but Alex Freeman’s header was deflected by Mexico keeper Angel Malagon following a rare defensive lapse.
The second half was also identical, with Mexico controlling possession and scoring chances, as the U.S. struggled to mount meaningful attacks. The breakthrough came in the 77th minute. Johan Vazquez headed back a free-kick, and Edson Alvarez jumped high to head it into the back of the net. The flag was waved for offside, but VAR confirmed Alvarez was onside, and the goal stood.
It was a highly emotional moment for Alvarez, who suffered a horrific injury at the same stadium playing for Mexico in the first game of last year’s Copa America. “Since I’ve been in Houston, I’ve been contemplating that moment,” the West Ham midfielder said. “I asked for one more joy, and life gave it back to me.”.
This win brings Mexico’s total to 10 CONCACAF Gold Cup championships — three ahead of the United States. While they began brightly, the USA, with an inexperience team at the helm, could not keep up with Mexico’s speed and execution throughout the match.
USA captain Tim Ream admitted the team went off course after the first goal. “We started well but they took control and we were unable to calm the game down. They deserved the win.”
Mexico Beats USA 2-1 to Win Record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup Title
