Mexico followed up their 2015 Gold Cup title by beating the 2013 Gold Cup winning USA in a playoff to decide which nation would represent CONCACAF in the 2017 Confederations Cup. And the goal that sealed the 3-2 extra-time win was probably more impressive than the rewards for it.
Chicharito opened the scoring in the 10th minute, but Geoff Cameron equalized for the U.S. in the 16th. The score then held at 1-1 until extra time, where Mexico again took a lead in the 96th minute thanks to an Oribe Peralta goal. Again, the U.S. equalized when substitutes DeAndre Yedlin and Bobby Wood hooked up to produce a 108th minute goal to make the score 2-2.
With the U.S. rejuvenated and penalties appearing likely, Mexico’s Paul Aguilar came through with a stunning volley that was virtually impossible to defend.
Mexico, deserving winners despite being led by an interim coach already confirmed to be on his way out in Ricardo Ferretti, then lifted a trophy that looks like a travel mug.
The U.S., meanwhile, has many more grueling discussions about whether Jurgen Klinsmann is a fortunate idiot or an unlucky genius to look forward to.
“The U.S., meanwhile, has many more grueling discussions about whether Jurgen Klinsmann is a fortunate idiot or an unlucky genius to look forward to.”
He’s staying on, so it’s probably fortunate idiot.