Mexico Dominate Jamaica To Win Record Seventh CONCACAF Gold Cup

Mexico breezed past Jamaica to win a record seventh 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final.

Jamaica were the first Caribbean team in the final, but were unable to produce an upset as El Tri won their third title from the last four cups, beating the Reggae Boyz 3-1 on the night.

Almost 70,000 fans at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field were sensing an upset from Jamaica, a team who have defied the odds throughout the tournament. However, it was Mexico who dominated the Gold Cup Final.

Mexico, who started attacking immediately, were relentless throughout the match. Both teams had early opportunities, but were let down by their finishing ability. Eventually, this would prove costly for for first-time finalists Jamaica in a game marked with physical challenges and wide open offensive play.

PSV Eindhoven’s Andrés Guardado opened the scoring with a first half goal on 31 minutes, a delicious volley into the top corner. This was his sixth goal in the tournament, his tenth career goal in the Gold Cup overall. For 2015, he finished one goal behind top scorer Clint Dempsey of the United States.

After the break, Jesus Corona found the net with a sublime low-drive across the goalkeeper on 47 minutes. However, the match wasn’t without drama as a Jamaican defensive error from Michael Hector on 61 minutes gifted the third goal to Oribe Peralta. Jamaica scored a late consolation on 80 minutes, Darren Mattocks unleashing a brilliant side footed drive after cutting in past two defenders, but it was all too late for the Jamaicans.

Jamaica showed little flair, which has been on display throughout the entire tournament. They never responded to the first goal, which took the wind out of their sails. Inquisitr reported how Jamaica upset the United States during their Gold Cup run and the Reggae Boyz had a few chances to take hold of the game, but didn’t capitalize.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the managers summarized their performances.

“We’re very happy,” Mexico manager Miguel Herrera said. “We dominated the ball. We got the rhythm we wanted and controlled the play. It’s a great satisfaction for all of us.”

Jamaica, who were not expected to progress very far in the tournament, were full of spirit after the match.

“For me this is not silver. For me this is gold,” Jamaica manager Winfried Schaefer said. “Nobody gave us a shot. This team played all its matches over its head. I’m very proud to coach this team. Jamaica should be very proud.”

Mexico are scheduled to face the United States on October 9 in a playoff match. The winner will represent CONCACAF in the 2017 Confederations Cup, which takes place in Russia.

Mexico also won the Gold Cup in 1993, 1996, 1998, 2003, 2009 and 2011.

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