The United States and defending champion Mexico qualified for the Gold Cup final, the North, Central American and Caribbean Championships, Thursday.
The United States defeated Qatar in the semi-finals 1-0 in Austin (Texas), thanks to a goal by substitute Gyasi Zardes (86.). 25 minutes ago, Qatar failed to take the lead with a penalty kick. Captain Hassan Al Haydos missed eleven metres.
Qatar, which will host the 2022 World Cup, was allowed to participate in this year’s Gold Cup as a guest.
In the final, the United States will face Mexico, who defeated Canada 2-1 in Houston (Texas) after a goal scored by Hector Herrera in the 99th minute. At the end of the first half, Orbelín Pineda (45. + 2) opened the score for Mexico with a penalty kick. Tajon Buchanan (57.) tied after the first half for Canada in the Gold Cup without superstars Jonathan David (former Gent, Lille now) and Alfonso Davies (Bayern Munich). In the 66th minute Mexico got a second penalty, but Carlos Salcedo missed. Herrera took care of salvation in extreme cases.
The final, which was re-released from the previous version in 2019, will be held in Las Vegas (Nevada) on Sunday. Two years ago, the Mexicans beat the United States 1-0.
Team USA has won the Gold Cup six times, and Mexico eleven times.
(Belgian)
