2011 Gold Cup - Grudge Match Edition

Who would have guessed: the Gold Cup playoffs have culminated in yet another U.S.-Mexico finale. For those counting at home, that's three straight finals between the two countries. Sure, the tournament has been predictable, but oh so entertaining. Here's how the teams got there...




The Americans fend off the feisty Panamanians 1-0

Revenge was sweet for the gringos as they advance on the strength of a Clint Dempsey second half tally.

Perhaps most intriguing in this game was the use of Landon Donovan and post-post-post-hype prospect Freddy Adu as subs in the second half, both of whom contributed to the goal-scoring play. For any readers who don't know who Freddy Adu is, he's the soccer version of Robert Downey Jr., except instead of a coke habit he developed a mediocre playing habit. Hopefully he's on the path to international (box office) glory.

Also helping the U.S. cause was the suspension of Panama forward Blas Perez, who was out due to a red card in the quarterfinal (festivities mentioned earlier).


Mexico outlasts Honduras with 2 extra time goals

It was a hard-fought match for both sides, but Mexico had the majority of the opportunities and their talent could not be denied as the game continued into the extra stanzas.

The first goal came from super sub Aldo de Nigris on a very nice header off a corner. Who else but Chicharito got the second goal off of another corner, pulling a nice Ullamaliztli-style hip bump to put the ball in, exciting all the Aztecs in the audience.


Overall it's been an entertaining tournament despite its predictability. But what can be expected in the final?

Mexico is the more dangerous offensive side, and their speed and opportunism up front has me concerned, especially after witnessing how easily Spain got behind the U.S. defense. Still, Mexico is far from a sure thing, not convincingly putting away Guatemala or Honduras until late.

In terms of recent history, Mexico crushed the U.S. last year 5-0 in the Gold Cup final. That final, however, was held in Mexico City, where the U.S. is about as helpless as a beached baby seal surrounded by fur traders. This final will be on American soil, where Mexico is 0-9-2 since 2000.

Ultimately I can't put too much emphasis on home field, though. I have a hard time thinking the team that produces the most chances will lose, and I think the team to do that is Mexico. Hopefully I'm wrong, but I'm going with El Tri in a 3-1 victory.