Pasadena, CA (July 23rd, 2017)- Jamaica came into the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup on what many believed to be a bit of a downswing. After missing out on The Hexagonal round of World Cup Qualifying last fall, and losing to Curaçao in the Caribbean Cup Final, Jamaica would’ve been considered lucky to get into the knockout stage. Well now they’re in the final for the second successive Gold Cup, and will take on the USMNT.
Jamaica Upsets Mexico, Advances to Gold Cup Final
After meeting in an extremely terrible and cagey group stage match, Jamaica and Mexico faced off in the semifinals. Mexico started out attacking as expected. They looked fluid and were attempting to get the ball out wide to funnel the ball into the box. But standing in their way of anything close, was Andre Blake.
Blake virtually solidified the golden gloves for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a fine display, making his five saves. None of his five were more spectacular than his first two, which came in an incredible double save sequence early in the first half. With Blake standing tall, the Jamaica squad started to gain some confidence, and looked really organized at the back. They did well in moving the ball forward quickly, and attempting to counter Mexico. The first half did end 0-0, but not without controversy. After all, it is a CONCACAF tournament!
If VAR was implemented, Cubo Torres could’ve easily been sent off after replay. He jumped into a two footed, studs showing tackle on Alvas Powell, and was extremely lucky only to see yellow. He was subbed off at halftime, with Angel Sepulveda being his replacement.
Sepulveda didn’t have a whole lot of influence as it took him nearly 10 minutes to get his first touch in the final third. Jamaica had jumped all over Mexico and were forcing the issue. Mexico’s best chance of the second half came off a dangerous free kick just at the top of the 18 yard box. The left footed blast went straight at Andre Blake.
Jamaica got their own chance in a very similar spot, just around the 88th minute. Kemar Lawrence won the “cointoss” to take, and boy was it spectacular. The left-footed left back sent in an immaculate shot, that dipped down into the net at the last second. Mexico were only left with a couple minutes to score, and could not get the job done. Jamaica avenged Mexico for their loss in the 2015 final, and move past El Tri and into 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final.
Jamaica will take on the USMNT who advanced to the final thanks to a 2-0 win against Costa Rica yesterday. That match will be at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. That match will kick off on Wednesday July 26th at 9:30 pm ET.
Main Photo Cred:
