Mexico Reaches the Gold Cup Finals After Eliminating Haiti, 1-0

Mexico became the first Gold Cup finalist, after minimally defeating Haiti, 1-0, with Raul Jimenez’s extra-time goal. Their victory came after one hell of a fight, against Les Grenadiers who were defending quite well throughout the entire match.

Wolverhampton’s striker forced the referee Al Jassim from Qatar to point towards the penalty spot in the 93rd minute. Le Havre’s forward Herve Bazile made a challenge, bringing Jimenez down in the box. There was no doubt for the official, but after the match, Haiti’s players and coach Marc Collat said that they weren’t sure if that tackle was worth a penalty.

“The referee didn’t explain anything,” Collat said. “I wasn’t in a good position to see. I didn’t see a foul, honestly,” said Collat.

Jimenez scored his fifth goal and used a chance to bring the lead to the Mexican team. But that wasn’t the end of excitement at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Haiti had an opportunity to stun Mexico and force penalties, just one minute before the end of the second extra-time.

Mikael Cantave’s shot ended on the crossbar of Guillermo Ochoa’s goal, freezing the hearts of the Mexican fans who were the absolute majority in Glendale last night. For that brief moment, everything was silent.

Mexico dominated the entire game, but still, El Tri couldn’t find a way to beat Haiti’s goalkeeper Jhony Placide, who was superb today. His save during the last minute of the regular time, when he denied Andres Guardado’s free-kick attempt was absolutely fantastic. The 31-year old also had an excellent save during the first half when prevented Jimenez from scoring after e strong header.

Placide, who is without a club at the moment, will no doubt receive many offers during this summer transfer window.

Mexico had the ball in their feet for more than 70% of the time, and they even had 27 goal attempts, five going on target. The corner kick ratio was 11-1 in favor of Tata Martino’s crew. Still, all that didn’t provide some notable edge. Haiti’s was a tough nut to crack last night, as well as throughout the entire tournament.

“They gave everyone a big surprise in the tournament. They deserve our respect,” said Diego Reyes, Mexico’s defender who plays in Turkish powerhouse Fenerbache.

Jorge Theiler, El Tri’s assistant coach who was replacing suspended Martino had a similar opinion.

“Haiti showed an evolution as a team during the tournament, it turned games around that they were losing, showed it was a dignified opponent,” he said.

"We love you."

Duckens Nazon gives an emotional message to all @fhfhaiti fans. #GoldCup2019 #HAIvMEX #EstoEsNuestro #ThisIsOurs #CestANous pic.twitter.com/Emkv4WWezv

— W Gold Cup (@GoldCup) July 3, 2019

Martino will be back for the finals, after missing this game because of two yellow cards he picked up earlier.

His team will be facing the winner from the clash between Jamaica and the hosts, the United States. After the match, Theiler was asked which opponent would be more suitable for his team, and the assistant coach answered that it doesn’t matter who will be the rival.

“… we don’t have a preference for the final. We’re not choosing a team, the best team out of Jamaica and the United States will play.”

The United States are the reigning champions; Jamaica is the runner-up from the previous two tournaments. Whichever team advances to the finals, it is not going to be easy for El Tri.

Mexico came to the USA in search of a trophy. The last time this nation won Gold Cup was in 2015, and they are craving to reach another piece of silverware and increase their lead in the all-time standings over the USA. Mexico has 10 titles, while the US team has 6.

The finals will take place in Chicago this Sunday, at the Soldier Field.