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For the sixth time in CONCACAF Gold Cup history, the United States and Mexico are facing off in the final. El Tri holds a 4-1 all-time record and is looking to clinch its eight title. The match is at Chicago, Illinois’ Soldier Field and was announced as a sell out on July 1st; it is expected that the spectators will overwhelmingly be clad in green.
As always, the two rivals are ready to do battle. “It feels like there’s no better game to play in the world than a final against Mexico,” Michael Bradley told ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle. “From the second that we walked off the field in Nashville [after the win over Jamaica], every single guy understood what was coming.”
The United States enters the match on the heels of a better-than-expected semifinal performance against Jamaica, with the new generation carrying the squad to a 3-1 victory. Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic will need to once against capitalize on their scoring opportunities, regardless of whether presumed starting striker Jozy Altidore is able to find the back of the net. Jamaica and Curaçao were able to monopolize possession for noticeable segments of the match. but the USMNT cannot completely concede control to Mexico.
Following a traditionally uncomplicated group stage, Tata Martino’s side has looked increasingly vincible in the knockout rounds. A narrow penalty shootout escape against Costa Rica and a controversial extra time winner against Haiti could serve as a wake-up call or the signs of a pattern. Striker Raúl Jiménez presents a problem for Aaron Long and Matt Miazga/Walker Zimmerman, but the American defense has been very strong this tournament.
The dissolution of the Confederations Cup has removed some of the importance from the Gold Cup. However, these are two nations in a transitional period, with new coaches attempting to implement their vision. As noted by Henry Bushnell for Yahoo Sports, while this is not a must win match for either side, but “the most trusted processes sustain themselves on results.” Even at its most meaningless, triumphing in a USMNT-Mexico fixture provides a temporary uplift and general feeling of security for the entire program.
How to watch
Mexico vs. United States
Location: Soldier Field — Chicago, Illinois
Advertised kick-off time: 9:15 p.m. Eastern, 6:15 p.m. Pacific
Available TV: FS1 (English), Univision (Spanish), Univision Deportes (Spanish)
Available stream: Fox Sports Go (App/Website), Univision (App/Website), FuboTV (Free trial)
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There will be a dedicated match thread posted after lineups are announced.
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