Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
Sport
Asharq Al-Awsat

USA Stun Mexico in Extra Time to Win Gold Cup Final

US players celebrate after defeating Mexico in the Concacaf Gold Cup final at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas August 1, 2021. — Reuters pic

Miles Robinson headed in the winner in extra time as the United States upset defending champions Mexico 1-0 on Sunday to capture their seventh CONCACAF Gold Cup title.

After a super performance by goalkeeper Matt Turner, Robinson soared over Mexican defender Edison Alvarez deep into extra time and headed past Alfredo Talavera to set off wild celebrations at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

"I am happy we got the win," said Robinson.

"Just awesome, crazy emotions. I knew if I could get open and get a half step then I could finish it."

This was the American team's first Gold Cup title since 2017, and avenged their defeat to Mexico in the 2019 final.

The upstart Americans finished undefeated in the tournament this year, said AFP.

The game was played in Las Vegas but it might as well have been Mexico City.

The flag-waving, sold-out crowd of over 60,000 was a sea of Mexican supporters in green and red.

It was a familiar scene for the American team, used to being treated like a visiting team on home soil whenever they play Mexico.

Seeking their 12th Gold Cup, Mexico controlled the first half but the USA fought back after the break, carrying their momentum into extra time.

Talavera and Turner made huge saves to keep the it scoreless until Robinson clinched it for the hosts.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.