Miles Robinson's Late Goal in Extra Time Lifts USA Past Mexico in 2021 Gold Cup Final
Aug 2, 2021
USA's defender Miles Robinson heads the ball during the Concacaf Gold Cup football match final between Mexico and USA at the Allegiant stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 1, 2021. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
For the full 90 minutes of regulation in Sunday's Gold Cup final between the United States and Mexico, the match was defined by missed opportunities.
His 117th-minute goal on Kellyn Acosta's brilliant free kick was the difference in the United States' 1-0 win in yet another entertaining and intense—if sloppy—entry in this CONCACAF rivalry. Would you expect anything less when these two teams meet?
It was fitting that Robinson—who helped lead a stout defense throughout the tournament—ended the deadlock.
Miles Robinson SHOULD BE the Gold Cup Player of the Tournament. Periodt.
The #USMNT defense posted five shutouts and didn't allow a goal in the run of play, and Robinson was a HUGE reason for that.
"We were focusing a lot on set pieces," Robinson said after the game on the FS1 broadcast. "I knew if I could get open, get a half-step, I could finish one. Kellyn put a perfect ball in, so I had to finish it."
"I'm happy we got the W. That's all I can say." 🇺🇸
Robinson may have missed out on being named Player of the Tournament, but Matt Turner won Goalkeeper of the Tournament. The 27-year-old was an obvious selection because of his dominance.
This was a performance the USMNT and its fans won't soon forget, in large part because the squad that took the field for the Gold Cup was missing many of the country's best players. It was largely a second- and third-choice United States versus a Mexico side comprised of many of its best veterans.
Suffice to say, it was a gritty showing by the young Americans, who displayed immense heart and poise to win an extra-time showdown against their bitter rival.
Pretty impressive from #USMNT to win this Gold Cup given the lack of experience and the absence of key figures in this group.
WHAT a performance by this #USMNT squad. Facing the favored Mexicans, boasting its strong squad of European-based stars, this young USA side stepped up and knocked off El Tri.
A clean sweep of trophies this summer sure does suggest there's a new king of Concacaf.
It can't be overstated just how many good chances each side failed to capitalize on, however. Mexico controlled possession, peppering the United States with dangerous opportunities. The Stars and Stripes came into the game in the second half, posing a major threat on the counterattack.
All's well that ends well for the United States, which won its second consecutive final over Mexico for the first time in history. It also won the CONCACAF Nations League final over El Tri in June.
As for Mexico, well, there will be major questions to answer. Heated as this rivalry may be, there's no shame in losing to a USMNT with its full complement of stars. But losing to a largely unproven collection of American players?
Well, that can't be framed as anything less than a major disappointment.
Shaq Moore Scores Early Goal as USA Beats Canada to Win Group B at 2021 Gold Cup
Jul 18, 2021
KANSAS CITY, KS - JULY 18: United States defender Shaq Moore (20) celebrates with fans and teammates after scoring a goal in action during the CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B match between the United States and Canada on July 18, 2021 at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The United States men's national team closed out the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage in style, earning a 1-0 victory over Canada on Sunday at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.
The two countries had already advanced to the quarterfinals after winning their first two games of the tournament. With Sunday's result, the U.S. claimed the top spot in Group B.
Canada had almost no time to settle into the match before it was staring at a one-goal deficit.
The United States applied pressure right at the outset. Kellyn Acosta found Sebastian Lletget to the left of goal, and the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder hit a low cross across the box to a streaking Shaq Moore for the opening goal.
Twenty seconds in, and the USMNT lead Canada 1-0 😳
Moore passed Clint Dempsey (29 seconds) for the record of fastest USMNT goal since the federation began keeping track in 1989.
The pace didn't slow down much from there as Walker Zimmerman and Richie Laryea collided in the penalty area in the ninth minute. Subsequent replays seemed to show both players getting a bit physical, and contact from Laryea may have triggered Zimmerman's stumble into the Canadian midfielder.
Opinions were divided about whether Canada should've been awarded a penalty:
How isn’t that a penalty....not even a free kick 😡
Walker Zimmerman grabs Richie Laryea in the penalty area, but Laryea grabbed Zimmerman pretty clearly in the run-up to that. Will VAR see both fouls, or will Zimmerman be called for the penalty?#USMNT
Instead, the referee pointed to the corner, and Les Rouges' set piece came to nothing.
The United States was unable to press its advantage and seemed to back off a bit after Moore's early goal. That allowed Canada to dictate the pace as the first half unfolded.
The Canadians came out firing in the second half as Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan forced Matt Turner to make a pair of saves.
Laryea was front and center for another contentious officiating decision in the 50th minute when he went down after a shove by Donovan Pines. Once again, Laryea's entreaty was waved away by the referee.
Feel like if there's anything close to Canada drawing a penalty, it should get the call. Multiple borderline penalties that haven't been called in this game.
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) July 18, 2021
Fortunately for the United States, Canada didn't create many goalscoring opportunities from its time on the ball. In the 94th minute, Lucas Cavallini let rip with a left-footed effort from just outside of the box, but Turner was in the right place to make a straightforward save.
USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter got the result he wanted, but his team's performance left something to be desired. Pines struggled mightily after replacing Zimmerman. The midfield got overrun. Daryl Dike and Gyasi Zardes were left isolated at the top of the formation and registered little impact.
This isn't the United States' "A" squad, with a number of players responsible for the CONCACAF Nations League win not participating in the Gold Cup.
Still, the U.S. flattered to deceive for the bulk of Sunday's outing. The complexion of the match could've changed dramatically if Laryea had been awarded a penalty for either of his falls in the 18-yard box.
The team will need to raise its game to a different level in the knockout stages.
What's Next?
The United States and Canada await the outcome of Costa Rica's match with Jamaica on Tuesday to determine their quarterfinal opponents.
United States Tops Martinique 6-1, Clinches Spot in 2021 Gold Cup Quarterfinals
Jul 16, 2021
U.S. forward Daryl Dike (11) celebrates with Cristian Roldan (10) and Gianluca Busio (6) after scoring a goal in the first half of the team's CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match against Martinique in Kansas City, Kan., Thursday, July 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Daryl Dike's two goals propelled the United States men's national soccer team to a 6-1 win over Martinique in CONCACAF Gold Cup group play on Thursday evening in Kansas City's Children's Mercy Park.
With the win, the United States clinched a top-two spot in Group B, thereby earning a place in the Gold Cup knockout stage. Martinique has been eliminated from knockout round contention.
The United States dominated all aspects of this match, amassing 12 shots on goal to Martinique's five and earning 65 percent possession. The U.S. also had 14 corner kicks to Martinique's zero.
The United States started rolling in the 14th minute after a sensational cross from Matthew Hoppe found its way to Dike, who buried the header.
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 16, 2021
Dike didn't get credit for the second goal, but his involvement led to the 2-0 lead.
The United States ramped up the pressure on Martinique, which failed to clear the ball from its own end. George Bello gets the credit for that effort, and the ball found its way to Hoppe before being sent in Gianluca Busio's direction.
Busio then fired a laser off the crossbar that found its way to Dike, who attempted to send the ball over the goal line.
Instead, Martinique defender Samuel Camille scored an own goal while attempting to clear the ball, leading to a 2-0 United States edge in the 23rd minute.
Here's our second of the night and it really is a team effort! 🇺🇸
Bello ➡️ Hoppe ➡️ Busio ➡️ CROSSBAR ➡️ Dike ➡️ Own goal.
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 16, 2021
Dike was credited with the goal before it was changed to an own goal.
The USMNT took a 2-0 halftime lead, and its relentless attack didn't take long to ramp up in the beginning of the second half, with Eryk Williamson's cross finding Miles Robinson for the team's third score:
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 16, 2021
It also didn't take Dike long to get his brace for real.
A pass to Cristian Roldan was quickly returned to the Orlando City SC star, who then split the Martinique defense and chipped the ball over goaltender Gilles Meslien for the United States' fourth goal.
Undeterred, the United States opened up a four-goal advantage once again. Roldan earned his second assist of the night after firing a long through ball to Gyasi Zardes, who took advantage of a defensive breakdown for the 5-1 lead:
The United States' last goal came courtesy of a player who plays in Kansas City (Sporting KC's Busio) and one who was born there (Nicholas Gioacchini). Gioacchini took Busio's cross and finished the job:
The United States will now face Canada to close Group B play Sunday at 5 p.m. ET from Kansas City. Like the USMNT, Canada has defeated both Martinique and Haiti to earn six points to advance to the Gold Cup knockout round.
The only thing left to figure out is which team will emerge as the group winner, which will go on to face the Group C runner-up in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, July 25. The Group B runner-up will take on the Group C winner at the same location and date.
Canada will be the Group B winner if its match with the United States ends in a draw. The two teams would be tied on the first Gold Cup group tiebreaker (goal differential at plus-six), but Canada owns the edge on the second tiebreaker of goals scored (eight to seven).
Through one round in Group C, Costa Rica and Jamaica have one win each in Group C play, beating Guadeloupe and Suriname, respectively.
Sam Vines' Early Goal Propels USA Past Haiti in 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup
Jul 12, 2021
United States defender Sam Vines (3) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match against Haiti, Sunday, July 11, 2021, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The United States men's national team opened the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 1-0 victory over Haiti at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, on Sunday.
This was the USMNT's fourth straight win and its ninth victory in its past 10 matches.
Haiti hasn't beaten the U.S. since 1973. Les Grenadiers were also short-handed after CONCACAF announced five of their players had tested positive for COVID-19 and went into isolation.
Sam Vines didn't wait around before disappointing those wanting to see an upset.
The Colorado Rapids defender was in the right place at the right time after Gyasi Zardes flicked a Shaquell Moore cross into Vines' path for a header from close range.
According to U.S. Soccer, Zardes' assist made him the second-fastest USMNT player (57 caps) with at least 10 goals and 10 assists. Landon Donovan holds the record after achieving the feat in 50 caps.
Vines' goal was the perfect start for a squad with something to prove in the tournament.
On the heels of winning the CONCACAF Nations League, coach Gregg Berhalter selected a 23-man roster that was missing a number of top stars. Jumping ahead early will have helped ease the pressure on a group that doesn't have much experience playing together.
The United States did encounter a setback in the form of an injury to Paul Arriola, who was subbed off in the 14th minute after experiencing an apparent leg issue.
Arriola missed significant time because of a torn ACL in February 2020, which added a layer of concern to his exit Sunday.
Like him or not, Arriola was an absolutely critical piece to this #USMNT squad. Fingers crossed it isn't as bad as it looks and he'll be ready for Canada.
In general, the United States' lack of continuity became apparent as it was unable to maintain any momentum after Vines' goal.
Derrick Etienne wasn't far off from connecting on an equalizer as his shot in the 20th minute flew to the right of the post and hit the side netting.
The USMNT simply looked a bit sluggish, particularly in the first half.
In these first 45 mins, one thing that has been uncharacteristic of the USMNT has been the pressure once the ball is lost. Usually there's a quick, intense chase to force a turnover.
Ofc, these are new players that need a couple miles on their odometer with the US and Berhalter
Nicholas Gioacchini, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, nearly had quite the homecoming in the 66th minute. His low shot eluded Haitian goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre but caromed off the left post and away from danger.
Sporting Kansas City forward Gianluca Busio briefly brought the crowd to life again in the 76th minute, when he fired a powerful shot at goal that forced a save out of Sylvestre.
This isn't a performance that will live long in the memory of supporters, but Berhalter will be content to come away with three points.
The USMNT should continue to improve as it gets deeper into the tournament, too, as the players build more of an on-field rapport.
What's Next?
The United States and Haiti are back in action Thursday. The U.S. will take on Martinique, while Haiti will get the day started against Canada.
2021 Gold Cup Qualifying Draw: Pots and Fixtures Revealed for 2020 Matches
Dec 11, 2019
CHICAGO, IL - JULY 07: Mexico players celebrate with the CONCACAF Gold Cup trophy after their 1-0 victory over USA in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final between Mexico and United States of America at Soldier Field on July 7, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
There are four spots remaining in the 2021 Gold Cup, and the 12 teams battling for those slots found out their qualifying draw Wednesday.
The draw was held in Miami and broadcast on the CONCACAF YouTube page.
The qualifying process is two rounds with four matchups per round. Wednesday's draw set up the following matchups.
Round 1
Matchup 1: Guadeloupe vs. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Matchup 2: Barbados vs. Guyana
Matchup 3: Bahamas vs. French Guiana
Matchup 4: Guatemala vs. Montserrat
Round 2
Matchup 1: Winner of Round 1, Matchup 1 vs. Haiti
Matchup 2: Winner of Round 1, Matchup 2 vs. Trinidad and Tobago
Matchup 3: Winner of Round 1, Matchup 3 vs. Bermuda
Matchup 4: Winner of Round 1, Matchup 4 vs. Cuba
Wednesday's draw was relatively stress-free for the 12 teams that already qualified for the 2021 Gold Cup through the group stage of the 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League. Those teams are Canada, Costa Rica, Curacao, El Salvador, Grenada, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Suriname and the United States.
That left 12 remaining teams fighting for four spots who will participate in the qualifiers.
As the official Gold Cup website explained, Bermuda, Cuba, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago are in League A, French Guiana, Guyana, Montserrat and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are in League B, and the Bahamas, Barbados, Guadeloupe and Guatemala are in League C.
Leagues B and C are the lower-ranked nations and were drawn into a qualifier against each other, and the winners of those qualifiers advance to face those from League A in the second round of qualifiers.
Essentially, the four teams from League A received a bye and will face the winners of the first round of qualifiers for those final four spots.
The first round of qualifiers take place in March 2020, and the second round takes place in June 2020.
Wednesday's single-blind system draw placed teams from League A in Pot A, teams from League B in Pot B and teams from League C in Pot C. The draw started by selecting a team from Pot C for matchup 1, 2, 3 or 4 and then doing the same to determine their opponents from Pot B.
The draw for Pot A followed a similar procedure, only the first team drawn will face the winner of matchup 1, and so on.
These teams all have an uphill battle to win the Gold Cup from the extensive qualifying process through the final. Mexico and the United States are the dominant forces at the event and have combined to win the last 10 titles.
The last time a different country won the Gold Cup was in 2000 when Canada took home the trophy.
Mexico is the reigning champion after it beat the United States 1-0 in the 2019 final.
Mexico Beats Christian Pulisic, USA to Capture 8th Gold Cup Championship
Jul 7, 2019
CHICAGO, IL - JULY 07: Jonathan dos Santos of Mexico celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final between Mexico and United States of America at Soldier Field on July 7, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Mexico is Gold Cup champion once again after its 1-0 win over the United States men's national team in Sunday's final.
Jonathan dos Santos was the hero for Mexico, scoring in the 73rd minute at Soldier Field in Chicago to help El Tri win the championship.
Combined, Mexico and the United States had won 13 of the 14 previous Gold Cups, but Mexico got the better of its rival this time around to win its fourth CONCACAF title since 2009.
While goals were difficult to come by for most of the game, dos Santos broke the drought off a backheel pass from Raul Jimenez:
Mexico also had its chances with eight shots in the first 45 minutes but couldn't get one into the net.
El Tri gained more control in the second half, holding possession while limiting the opportunities on the other end. However, most of the shots came from outside the box, which resulted in few close scoring chances against U.S. goalie Zack Steffen.
The squad was finally able to break through in the 73rd minute off a perfect finish from dos Santos.
Mexico strikes first in the 74' vs the United States in the Gold Cup Final.
Jonathan dos Santos becomes the 12th Mexican player to score in a Gold Cup final vs the US, joining his brother, Giovani, in accomplishing the feat. pic.twitter.com/lbKV8aId4u
Though the Americans were able to earn some corners, they couldn't find the equalizer in a disappointing second half.
The team finished with only three shots on goal.
Although both teams likely care more about the 2022 World Cup than this tournament, there were bright spots for both teams to build on over the next few years.
However, only Mexico was able to bring home a trophy after completing an undefeated run through the Gold Cup.
Gold Cup Final 2019: Live Stream Schedule for Mexico vs. USA
Jul 7, 2019
USA's midfielder Weston McKennie (L) celebrates after scoring a goal against Jamaica during their CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-final football match at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 3, 2019. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
The two most celebrated teams in Gold Cup history will collide on Sunday, with seven-time champions Mexico set to face six-time winners the United States at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
The Stars and Stripes can draw level on titles won if they clinch the 2019 crown, and their current five-match win streak is evidence to suggest the home outfit could indeed retain their trophy.
BR Video
Canada were the last team not named Mexico or the United States to win a Gold Cup all the way back in 2000, with these two giants triumphing in the nine finals since and set to add a 10th on Sunday.
Mexico went to extra time in their quarter-final and semi-final wins over Costa Rica and Haiti, respectively, but coach Gerardo Martino will hope for a more accomplished display from his team in the decider.
One of the most significant CONCACAF fixtures is ready to be revived, with these two American giants about to compete in their sixth Gold Cup final against one another.
El Tri have come out on top in four of the five meetings to date, but this will be the first time since 2011 that the two will decide where the trophy ends up.
A heated rivalry has long brewed between these neighbouring countries. However, United States coach Gregg Berhalter was eager to remove some of that personal vendetta in the buildup, via journalist Ives Galarcep:
Here's a video update from Chicago, as the #USMNT prepares for Sunday's Gold Cup final vs. Mexico, and as much as we all want to talk about the rivalry, Gregg Berhalter wants us all to remember the Gold Cup trophy is what matters most on Sunday: pic.twitter.com/0v0Dzbcvts
After going without a win in three matches just before the Gold Cup, the tournament hosts have now won five on the bounce and have kept clean sheets in four of those.
Their streak of shut-outs finally ended in their 3-1 semi-final win over Jamaica, when 20-year-old Weston McKennie opened the scoring for the second game in succession (U.S. only):
The Schalke forward will be crucial to the United States' hopes, as will Christian Pulisic, the former Borussia Dortmund winger who recently left the Bundesliga outfit to complete his move to Chelsea.
There will also be a heavy burden on 31-year-old Michael Bradley, who has started four of his side's five games so far and is on the verge of earning his 150th cap (third in the all-time list).
In contrast to his coach, Toronto F.C. midfielderBradley focused on the rivalry with Mexico as being a special occasion for this team, per ESPN's Jeff Carlisle.
He said: "It feels like there's no better game to play in the world than a final against Mexico. From the second that we walked off the field in Nashville, every single guy understood what was coming. Whether you've played in this game or you haven't, a U.S.-Mexico final [in] Chicago speaks for itself."
El Tri look to be lacking confidence somewhat of late, having played 120 minutes against Costa Rica and Haiti. They beat the former 5-4 on penalties (1-1 at full time) before Raul Jimenez sealed a narrow 1-0 extra-time win against the latter.
The absence of injured PSV winger Hirving Lozano has robbed Martino of one key weapon in his attack, but Wolverhampton Wanderers star Jimenez has stepped up in an important time of late.
The striker was recently given a hero's welcome in Chicago, via ESPN FC's Tom Marshall:
Captain Andres Guardado, 32, is an example of the established talent in the Mexico side, but midfield stars like Roberto Alvarado, 20, Edson Alvarez and Uriel Antuna, both 21, are having a greater impact.
That young corps will either help Mexico increase their advantage as the all-time record Gold Cup winners, or they could allow an in-form United States team to pull level in the honours list.
Gold Cup Final 2019: Championship TV Schedule and Live Stream
Jul 6, 2019
NASHVILLE, TN - JULY 03: Weston McKennie #8 of the United States celebrates scoring with teammates during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Semifinal match between the United States and Jamaica at Nissan Stadium on July 03, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Dorton/isiphotos.com/Getty Images)
The United States and Mexico will add another chapter to their storied football rivalry on Sunday when they meet in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Mexico, the pre-tournament favourites, have had to work hard to make it this far, edging past Costa Rica in the quarter-finals—they won on penalties after a 1-1 draw—and then narrowly beating tournament surprise package Haiti 1-0 in the semi-finals.
Based on the way the United States have been performing, El Tri will need to improve if they want to win this competition for a record eighth time. The USMNT got the better of Jamaica in the semi-finals, with star man Christian Pulisic leading them to a 3-1 win.
The United States can draw level with Mexico on seven Gold Cup triumphs with victory on Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago, adding another layer to what's poised to be a tremendous spectacle.
Although the United States and Mexico frequently go into the Gold Cup as the two favourites for the prize, it's been eight years since the two met in the final of the competition.
On that day in 2011, El Tri were the victors after coming from two goals down to win 4-2 in a dramatic encounter:
The fact Mexico have been able to navigate their way to the final this year is testament to the strength in depth they have, as manager Gerardo Martino has had to make do without a number of crucial players.
In the quarter-final and semi-final, the Mexicans appeared a little one-dimensional in attack. Eventually, Raul Jimenez's controversial 93rd-minute penalty against Haiti put El Tri into the final, although the striker was otherwise short of quality service.
Per SkyBet, the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker has been enjoying an excellent run of form for Mexico:
Raul Jimenez has been on fire for Mexico 🇲🇽
5 goals in 5 games & in to the final of the @GoldCup.
They will face a major challenge against the U.S. At the start of the competition, expectations were low when it came to Gregg Berhalter's side, but they've managed to make strides game-by-game.
Their win over Jamaica last time out was their most complete performance of the Gold Cup. They managed the match professionally and allowed their extra class to take over, and the performance of Pulisic, who was on target twice in the 3-1 win, was vital to that.
The new Chelsea man had this to say on the challenge facing the United States in the final:
A FINAL vs. 🇲🇽.
The midfield trio of @cpulisic_10, @WMcKennie and Michael Bradley on facing the #USMNT's biggest rival for the #GoldCup2019 🏆 on Sunday.
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 4, 2019
Per Goal's Ives Galarcep, the U.S. men's national team fans appear confident about their team's chances ahead of the match with their rivals:
The "We Want Mexico" chant breaks out at Nissan Stadium. The #USMNT is two minutes and stoppage time away from setting up another USA-Mexico Gold Cup final in Chicago.
The spark from Mexico's play has been smothered by defensively sound sides in the knockout bracket. With that in mind, it will be intriguing to see what kind of game plan the United States adopt.
Mexico will also represent a step up in class for the USMNT. However, the momentum appears to be with the Americans going into the Gold Cup climax, and with the Chicago crowd offering a fierce backing, they'll have enough to secure the victory.
Prediction: United States 3-1 Mexico
Gold Cup Final 2019: Latest Form Guide and Reaction Before Mexico vs. USA
Jul 5, 2019
The United States and Mexico will contest the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup final on Sunday in what promises to be a must-watch match between the two most successful teams in the competition's history.
Gregg Berhalter has led the Stars and Stripes to five wins from five in his first Gold Cup as head coach, but El Tri have started to waver despite being unbeaten in the tournament.
BR Video
Mexico needed penalties to beat Costa Rica in the quarter-finals and were forced to play another 120 minutes in their 1-0 extra-time win over Haiti in the last four.
The United States have enjoyed a simpler path into the final and will hope those extra minutes on the field take their toll on Mexico.
Form Guide
United States
3-1 Win vs. Jamaica, July 3
1-0 Win vs. Curacao, June 30
1-0 Win vs. Panama, June 26
6-0 Win vs. Trinidad & Tobago, June 22
4-0 Win vs. Guyana, June 18
Mexico
1-0 Win vs. Haiti (aet), July 2
1-1 Draw vs. Costa Rica (won 5-4 on penalties), June 29
3-2 Win vs. Martinique, June 23
3-1 Win vs. Canada, June 19
7-0 Win vs. Cuba, June 15
Preview
Prior to the tournament, many fans would have predicted a United States-Mexico final, with the two teams now going head-to-head for the trophy for the sixth time.
El Tri will be looking to extend their record of seven Gold Cups on Sunday:
However, victory for the United States would see them draw level in trophies won, and a 3-1 semi-final victory over Jamaica served as solid preparation in their bid to retain the title.
At least one of these teams has featured in each of the past three Gold Cup finals, but ESPN FC's Tom Marshall highlighted how history favours Mexico in head-to-head finals against the USA:
Gold Cup final: USA vs. Mexico on Sunday in Chicago. First final between the two since 2011. El Tri has won 4/5 of the Gold Cup finals involving the rivals. #eltrieng
Chelsea fans will be excited to see winger Christian Pulisic impressing for the U.S. ahead of his arrival at Stamford Bridge, particularly after he netted a game-winning brace against the Reggae Boyz on Wednesday.
The 20-year-old is developing a knack for knowing when to arrive in front of goal, and he was well-placed to convert an important second, via Premier Sports (UK only):
🇺🇸 USA set up a Gold Cup final showdown with Mexico 🇲🇽
ESPN Stats & Info noted the United States could make national-team history if they win on Sunday—the same day as the women's team face the Netherlands in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup final:
Christian Pulisic scored 2 goals as the @USMNT defeated Jamaica 3-1 to advance to its 11th Gold Cup final, most all-time.
The U.S. will face Mexico in the final on Sunday, which could be first day in U.S. soccer history on which both the @USMNT and @USWNT win a title. pic.twitter.com/DYE0KXdW63
However, Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez will be a threat to the USA's title hopes at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The 28-year-old needs two goals to overhaul Canada's Jonathan David as the leading scorer at the Gold Cup after failing to score only once in Mexico's five games so far.
