There was no controversy in the final of the 2015 Gold Cup. And for Mexico, a team that couldn’t seem to escape it, that is a cherry on top of a game in which it established dominance, and impressed throughout as it won 3-1.
Mexico did not start the game the way it ended it. Jamaica looked good in the first half hour, and had good, clear chances to score while Mexico was still finding its feet. This game could have started 2-0 in favor of Jamaica, but they just were not clinical in the slightest. They scored in the 80th minute, but it was a consolation, too little, too late.
Andres Guardado opened the scoring with a beautiful left-footed volley that was the result of a set-piece executed to perfection. He was left criminally open by the Jamaican defense, and he punished them accordingly.
Jesus “El Tecatito” Corona doubled Mexico’s lead just after half. It was a brilliant goal from one of the brightest young stars on Mexico’s roster. He did all the work, stealing the ball back after an errant Mexican pass was intercepted, and then finishing with his left foot from the top of the 18.
After that, it was all “ole” inducing possession from Mexico; the aforementioned Jamaican goal, scored by Darren Mattocks, was a mere bump on the road to victory for El Tri.
All in all, Mexico put in the kind of performance that legitimizes crowning it the champion of CONCACAF. As controversial as their previous victories in this tournament were, this one went a long way to making everyone forget about them. No team, not even the US, put together a performance like this.
With the victory, Mexico will play a play-off with the United States, who qualify for the match by virtue of their 2013 Gold Cup win, for a spot in the 2017 Confederations Cup. That game will take place on October 9th.
Follow Ivan on Twitter: @yetly
