CHICAGO: Mexico’s Jonathan dos Santos scored in the 73rd minute to give his side a 1-0 win over the United States in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final on Sunday.

The victory over the defending champions in front of 62,493 fans at Chicago’s Soldier Field earned Mexico a record-extending eighth title at the biennial tournament, which crowns the continental champions of North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

“This was what we came here for” said Mexico’s Andres Guardado. “We did it and in an unforgettable setting. We’re very happy. The whole team was spectacular.”

Mexico took control midway through the second half and got their goal when Dos Santos received a back-heel pass from Raul Jimenez and fired home off the underside of the bar.

The United States had a series of corners late in the game and in the 87th minute one delivery caused havoc in the Mexico box but Hector Moreno made a big block with his face to preserve their lead.

The hosts threw everyone forward in the two minutes of stoppage time but Mexico held firm to reclaim the title they last won in 2015.

“I thought we had a good start to the game. If anything the beginning of the second half wasn’t what it needed to be,” said American midfielder Michael Bradley. “They were able to get some momentum and got their goal. Tough way to lose.”

Star Christian Pulisic and captain Weston McKennie both left Soldier Field without speaking to reporters about the latest setback to a programme still trying to rebound from its failure to qualify for last year’s World Cup.

The American men had been hoping to complete a trophy double after the US women had powered to victory over the Netherlands in the World Cup in France earlier on Sunday.

“Over the course of 90 minutes, Mexico were the better team,” Gregg Berhalter said after his first tournament as US coach. “What we lacked was I think some of the calmness, some of the composure.”

Despite missing their top three forwards, El Tri had 58% possession, outshot the US 20-10. The US dropped to 1-5 in Gold Cup finals against their biggest rivals.

“I am happy because the boys made a great effort and today we played against one of the best teams in the Gold Cup,” said Mexico coach Tata Martino. “They have made a good effort and a good match. It makes me happy because it was also my first international title.”

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2019