Mexico captured a record-extending tenth CONCACAF Gold Cup title Sunday with a 2-1 win over the United States, however the last in Houston ended below a storm of controversy as U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino overtly questioned a number of key officiating selections and a pivotal VAR reversal.
Chris Richards gave the Americans an early lead simply 4 minutes in, rising to move in Sebastian Berhalter’s free kick off the underside of the crossbar.
Referee Mario Escobar confirmed the aim had crossed the road, giving the U.S. a dream begin at NRG Stadium.
Mexico responded within the twenty seventh minute by means of striker Raul Jimenez, who slotted residence from shut vary and held up a shirt in tribute to his late former teammate Diogo Jota.
Mexico dominated a lot of the primary half, forcing a number of vital saves from U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Roberto Alvarado and 16-year-old Gilberto Mora every got here shut, with Mora’s long-range blast practically sneaking in.
Despite Mexico’s strain, the U.S. created their very own moments.
Alex Freeman’s header struck Luis Malagon within the face, and Diego Luna missed the rebound excessive over the bar. As the match tightened within the second half, tensions escalated.
The decisive second got here within the 77th minute. Luna was whistled for a foul on Alexis Vega, giving Mexico a free kick deep on the flank.
Johan Vasquez flicked the supply throughout the field the place Edson Alvarez, darting behind the protection, buried a header from shut vary.
The assistant referee flagged for offside, however after a prolonged VAR evaluate, the decision was overturned and the aim stood, sending the Mexican bench into celebration.
Pochettino, livid with the reversal, insisted Alvarez had been offside and mentioned Luna’s foul was undeserved, claiming Vega had merely misplaced his footing.
The Argentine coach additionally pointed to a controversial second within the 67th minute when Jorge Sanchez dealt with the ball within the penalty space after a collision. No evaluate was granted, and play continued.
He criticized the dearth of consistency, suggesting that had the roles been reversed, the stadium would have erupted. Pochettino acknowledged Mexico’s efficiency however known as the officiating “embarrassing,” expressing frustration over what he considered as an absence of equity.
Richards echoed these sentiments, saying that Sanchez’s motion resembled a basketball transfer, likening it to “Shaq palming the ball.” He additionally felt Cesar Montes had illegally blocked him through the Alvarez aim sequence.
This was not the primary time Mexico benefited from tight calls. In the group stage, a stoppage-time bicycle-kick aim towards Costa Rica was dominated out by VAR. Another Alvarez strike within the semifinal was overturned. Pochettino mentioned it was tough to just accept that this aim was allowed whereas two others within the match had been denied.
Despite the controversy, Mexico held agency within the dying minutes. Patrick Agyemang had an opportunity to attract degree, however his end sailed broad in a tense conclusion.
Alvarez, who had a aim disallowed earlier within the match, known as the reversal and eventual win a testomony to the staff’s perseverance.
The victory secured back-to-back Gold Cups for El Tri and cemented their regional dominance with a tenth title – including to a few earlier CONCACAF Championship wins earlier than the Gold Cup period.
Source: www.dailysabah.com