Heavyweights Mexico and Panama were set to face off in the Gold Cup final 2023 on Sunday, July 17. A packed SoFI stadium in California was the perfect setting for the occasion. Panama was in pursuit of their first Gold Cup victory, while Mexico was going for their ninth. Mexico defeated Panama, and Santiago Gimenez was the hero.
Mexico had a formidable tournament, losing only one game in the group stage. After advancing to the knockout rounds as well, Mexico were on-form as they beat rivals Costa Rica 2-0 in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, Mexico was considerably the better team beating Jamaica 3-0 to book their place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2023 finals.
Mexico sets new record at CONCACAF Gold Cup
Yeah baby champions again #GoldCup2023 #MEXvsPAN #CopaOro2023 pic.twitter.com/fKCkx0SAXs
— Cesar 🇲🇽🇺🇲 (@caesarmurillo) July 17, 2023
The tournament has only been won by 3 teams, namely Mexico, USA and Canada. Mexico were the strong favourites leading into the game which was proved right after the result. Feyernood forward Santiago Gimenez was the difference between the sides, as he slotted in in the dying minutes of the game to lead his nation to victory.
El Tri now holds the record for the most CONCACAF Gold Cup victories, with 9 titles in their cabinet. Gimenez had a very successful season, after winning the Eredivisie under the coaching of Ruud van Nistelrooy. Feyernood’s number 29 was in impeccable form throughout the season scoring 15 goals in 32 appearances for the club.
Mexican goalkeeper and captain Guillermo Ochoa lifted the trophy, as Mexico won their first trophy since 2019. The city of California saw a green wave as all the Mexican fans were bouncing with jubilation celebrating their team’s win. Super-substitute Gimenez was specifically praised by the fans for his heroics in the final.
Panama stuns USMNT but fails vs Mexico
Panama was at the losing end of the Gold Cup final but was appreciated for their efforts throughout the tournament. The Central American nation advanced to the final after topping their group. In the knockout rounds, Panama thrashed Qatar 4-0 to get their slot in the semi-finals of the tournament.
In the semi-final, Panama was against the odds as they were against tournament hosts USA. Both the teams battled their way through the match, which saw a goalless draw in regulation time. Goals at either end in the extra time dragged the game to penalties. Panama’s resilience showed through as they beat the hosts on penalties, stunning the home crowd. In the final, however, Panama bowed out due to Gimenez’s brilliance.
What’s your take on USMNT’s failure to surge to the Gold Cup final? Let us know your opinions in the comments section.
