Las Vegas – Miles Robinson’s header in the 117th minute gave the USMNT the 2021 Gold Cup Title, as the USA beat Mexico 1-0.
USMNT wins 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup
In the first half, the USMNT had the best of chances, as Paul Arriola was played in after a turnover that the USMNT induced on the press. Arriola opted for his right foot instead of his left, and placed it off the post keeping the match scoreless.
While Mexico had many chances, none of them were near as clear-cut as the USMNT. The USMNT didn’t dominate possession, but they were able to create the most cut chances. Arriola, Zardes, Hoppe and co. had their chances but Miles Robinson got on the end of USA free-kick and gave USMNT the gold cup victory.
While Mexico had a lot of half chances they never finished and the USMNT capitalized in extra time. It should be noted that Mexico chose not to rotate their squad throughout the tournament and that much was evident as the tournament wore on. They found themselves out of gas in the latter stages of the match and that was the case in extra time as the USMNT capitalized on rotated personnel and fresh legs in extra time.
Three Thoughts
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- The USMNT deserved this win. A 1-0 win for the USMNT was on the cards, and they managed the final better than Mexico. Less of the ball, sure. Better of chances though was fair and the USMNT was in control there. They capitalized on set pieces, and did what was necessary in the final. The effort was there over the expectation that Mexico had, and the USMNT “B-Squad” handled the moment to the best of their ability.
- What happens with Tata? While it would be unfair for Tata Martino to be fired after this final, it’s bound to happen with the way the Mexican federation operates. Mexico will still likely qualify for the world cup regardless of who is at the helm, but plenty of questions will be asked of Martino, as the Mexican federation comes to grips with the Gold Cup Final loss.
- Miles Robinson is the player of the tournament. It’s fitting that the guy who was the best individual player in the Gold Cup scored the winning goal of the tournament. Robinson’s header was great, but this USMNT squad didn’t go the entire tournament with only one goal conceded for nothing. Robinson might be the number two CB in the pool.
