The United States avenged their first ever group stage loss against Panama in a 1-0 victory at Reliant stadium. This semi-final victory was their ticket to the Gold Cup Finale to be played on Saturday night in Pasadena, California.
Bob Bradley once again experimented with his team by benching star player Landon Donovan and starting Alejandro Bedoya in his place. Jozy Altidore did not play due to his ham string injury which is to keep him away from the field for 4-6 weeks. In his place young Juan Agudelo appeared in the starting 11.
The New York RedBulls academy product impressed when his header off a Cherundulo cross struck the cross bar after hitting the ground first. At the tender age of 18 he played at the highest level with daring ability.
The second half was when Landon Donovan was finally introduced into the game and his cross was tapped in by none other than Clint Dempsey 13 minutes from time. This goal would eventually be the winner as the US finished it by one goal to nil. The victory was sweet revenge for the Americans and it gave them their guaranteed place in the final.
Mexico played a Honduras side that never seemed to back down. During the game Mexico had some stunning chances as Javier Hernandez headed just wide from only 7-8 yards out and Dos Santos was unable to curl the ball into the bottom corner as he shot it straight past the post. However in Extra Time, the Mexicans proved why they are truly one of the favorites.
Just three minutes into the first period of ET, Aldo De Nigris leaped up into the air and powerfully headed the ball into the goal off of a corner kick. After holding El Tri at bay for all 90 minutes, just 3 minutes into ET Honduras were unable to hold them any more.
Just 6 minutes later at the 99th minute, Javier "El Chicarito" Hernandez tapped the ball in after Barrera's corner was headed towards him by De Nigris. 2-0 Mexico.
This victory gives Mexico their guaranteed spot in the Gold Cup final against the US. In 2007, the US won 2-1 against them to win the cup. In 2009, Mexico avenged that loss by defeating the Americans 5-0 with all the goals being scored in the second half. This year the Americans will certainly look to avenge that loss and bring the cup back to the states.
It will be a very interesting match-up but the Mexicans are slightly favored over the states being that a majority of their players play in Europe. Hernandez scored 20 goals for Premier League champions Manchester United in his debut season. Scoring against the US shouldn't be too hard. The US are vulnerable defensively against a fast paced team such as El Tri.
If the US want to stand a chance, Dempsey, Donovan, Bradley, and even Cherundulo who has been magnificent all have to step up their game to an even higher level to defeat their arch rivals. This is a rivalry that goes way back and the only advantage the US has over them is not talent but home field. Although in Pasadena there are a lot of Mexicans who reside in that area so the fans even have step up their chanting.
If Mexico defeats the US in two Gold Cup finals in a row, the US will need major improvements. First of all in 2009 the final was in New Jersey. This year it is being played in Pasadena. Playing at home should be taken advantage of by the US. However Mexico likes to allow their football to do the talking. They have been impressive thus far and do not look like they will be slowing down any time soon.
If there is a Soccer game to watch this weekend it is certainly this one. If there are any questions or points that need to be made, e-mail me at areysportsnews@gmail.com
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