Gold Cup Wrap Up

Man, what a final! That’s one of the best games I’ve seen in a while and I’m not just saying it as a fan of the USA.

Mexico comes out guns blazing in the first half, Mexico just running the US team off the field. US looks shaky in defense, midfiled and forward spots. Mexico has plenty of chances but luckily for the US, they only score once.

In the second half, Bob Bradley takes Pablo Mastroeni out and subs in Ricardo Clark, a move that ends the run of sloppy midfield play for the US and gains them some possession and increased creativity. Brian Ching, who did not nothing up til that point, gets fouled in the penalty area. Oswaldo Sanchez has been watching film of Landon Donovan’s penalty kicks as he stays in the middle but Donovan goes right, leaving Sanchez looking like a statue. Later in the half, a corner kick for the US is headed out be Mexico. Benny Feilhaber connects on the ball while in midair just outside the penalty area for an absolute rocket volley and Sanchez has no chance. Despite a point blank opportunity at the end saved by Tim Howard, the US prevails against versus their archrival and win the Gold Cup. The win also secures passage for the US to play in the Confederations Cup in 2009 in South Africa.

The U.S. now heads to Venezuela for the CONMEBOL Copa America and plays its first game this Thursday against Argentina.

Discuss your thoughts on this game and the tournament overall righthere…