June 25, 2011

Gold Cup Final 2nd half action

Mexico has dominated possession so far, 58:42. As the players come out for the second half, both sides will be looking to take the lead and put the other team away. It's 2-2 at the Rose Bowl.

50'. Mexico breaks, and after a threaded pass to Barrera, he has a strike and sends a bending ball past Tim Howard. Mexico lead for the first time in this game.

52'. US corner, Bocanagra connects in front of the keeper. Despite a deflection from Talavera, the ref rules it a goal kick.

54' Continued pressure from the likes of Dos Santos and Barrera forcing the US defense the look alive.

58'. Foul on Freddy Adu as he weaves his way through 2 defenders. Can the US capitalize on this free kick, Donovan and Adu standing over it... Adu takes it, over the wall, but Talavera able to catch it.

60'. Dempsey blasts a shot off the crossbar. The ball came off a tackle on Bradley, falling in front of Dempsey who hits a beautiful one-time curling shot off the frame.

63'. Juan Agudelo is warming up on the sideline. The US breaks down the center only to lose it off of a  pass just behind Jermaine Jones. Mexico counters down the right flank and force the US into a clearance. Agudelo comes in, replacing Bedoya

67'. The game is really going back and forth at this point. The US is struggling to get out of the the middle third, while Mexico is trying to find another goal to go with the pressure they're putting on the US.

70'. The game is clearly becoming more physical, with each side committing chippy fouls. Bocanegra goes down, free kick US. Donovan sends the ball in, Goodson flicks a header further into the box, with Bocanegra sending it just over the bar with his head.

75'. The US continue to give the ball away when forming an attack, being forced to play back to the keeper. Mexico use their last substitution, Barrera out for Zavala

76'. Mexico takes a 4-2 lead through a Gio Dos Santos goal. Howard attempts the collect the ball but Dos Santos teases is away from the keeper, lofting the ball just over Lichaj into the top corner.

80'. Talavera forced to punch out a cross destined for Dempsey. Bradley hits the keeper's punch on the volley and curls it just wide of the left post. The US really needed that strike if they want to come back and win this game.

 81'. Foul on Mexico, yellow card for Torres Nilo's challenge on Adu. Free kick in but the US unable to test the keeper, unable to get past the defense.

84'. Dempsey hits one high and wide. The US are desperate for a goal to jumpstart a comeback, but are having no luck on the attack, being frustrated by Mexico's defense sniffing out the obvious chances.

86'. Sacha Kljestan comes on for Freddy Adu. The US trying to inject some energy in their cause.

87'. The US breaks down the right flank and into the box,only to put the ball just wide of the post. Dempsey picks up a yellow card

90'. The game is nearly over, the US trying long lofted balls towards the danger area, but are having no luck bringing the ball down and posing a threat. Mexico is able to time and time again break down the US' form and take the ball to the corner. 3 minutes of extra time have been announced.

92'. Donovan puts a ball in across goal but Mexico's defense able to smother the ball before it ban threaten the net. Mexico surely now has sealed victory.

The final whistle has blown, and Mexico emerge as Gold Cup champions. Maintaining their unbeaten streak under coach José Manuel de la Torre, the game finishes Mexico 4-2 USA.
Goals for the US: Bradley 8', Donovan 23'
Goals for Mexico: Barrera 29', Guardado 36', Barrera 50', Dos Santos 76'

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