It is a familiar clash at the Gold Cup between the USA and Mexico, one that was anticipated to be the final as both teams were the heavy favourites to win the tournament. Both sides have shown determination and grit to reach this stage, and while the USA might have a slight home advantage, due to the tournament being played in the States against Mexico, this won’t be enough.
USA Team News
Hosts USA will head to the Gold Cup final with everything available in their quest to secure a title on home ground. Their road to the final has seen them emerge on top of Group D, although it was widely viewed as the weakest of the 4 during the group stage. In the knockout phase, there were more than a few hairy moments, as Mauricio Pochettino’s team needed penalties to eliminate Costa Rica and narrowly won 2-1 against Guatemala in the semi-finals. Throughout the Gold Cup, Pochettino’s men showed their goal-scoring prowess, but when put against tougher opposition, their defensive woes also came to light, as evidenced by the USA’s games in the knockout stages.
Mexico Team News
Mexico have been grinding results in the tournament in an efficient manner. While certainly the team aren’t slouches in front of goal, El Tri has relied on a solid defence to carry them to the final. Mexico have conceded just 2 goals in the tournament, and both came in their opening game against the Dominican Republic, which El Tri won 3-2. Since then, the team has been on a 4-game clean sheet. It is a given that Javier Aguirre will continue to rely on his side’s capable defending, as in terms of offence, Mexico is rather average. The win against the Dominican Republic is the only one across El Tri’s last 10 matches in which they have scored more than 2 goals.
Head-to-Head Games
Games between the USA and Mexico don’t produce a lot of goals most of the time. Four of the last 5 H2H encounters failed to surpass the 2.5 mark. The USA has 2 wins in this period, although the most recent game between them and Mexico was won by the latter.
USA – Mexico Betting Prediction
I expect this to be a tight game. Maurico Pochettino’s team seem better in attacking terms, while Javier Aguirre’s men are better defensively. Each will try to play to their strengths. I don’t expect many goals here either, as the stakes are high for any of the teams to go in recklessly. However, my pick is for Mexico to emerge victorious out of this one and win the Gold Cup. While this game can go to extra time and even penalties, I still think that Mexico is the better team here, and such occasions are more suited to defensive-minded sides, hence why I back them to lift the trophy here.
👉Betting Tip: Mexico To Win The Final
🌐Bookmaker: Stake
📊Odds: 1.76
Stake
Place your bet on USA – Mexico at Stake