Right from the word go, Mexico have appeared the team to overcome which has proven to be the case, as they’ve reached the last game of the tournament, though the task is far from done. USA, who won this competition back in 2017, stand between Gerard Martino’s men and a very first Gold Cup victory since 2015.
All the way throughout the tournament, Mexico’s attacking power and total stylish play has caught the eye. They have been in scintillating attacking form during the classes, scoring 13 goals in just three games. They did of course face inferior opposition, though it would have been easy for them to return, winning but just a few goals, so the simple fact that they went full throttle and looked to build momentum was pleasing.
Since the championship got serious, Mexico have slowed down when it comes to goals scored, scoring just once in regulation time during the knockout rounds, even though their general performance levels have not really dipped, especially by an attacking point of view. Against Costa Rica in the quarters, Mexico posted 1.98 anticipated aims for, while they continued to be creative against Haiti last time out, posting 2.43.
Mexico are not the only team to impress both in terms of creativity and intentions, as USA have also dazzled the crowds at times. Throughout the bands, Greg Berhalter’s men notched a satisfying 11 goals, while they have scored four in 2 knockout matches. Last time out when scoring three goals against the Jamaicans, USA appeared really dangerous in the final third. They also shaped like they would enjoy playing with a Mexico side that surely come out and play, thus leaving space behind.
As far as imagination goes, USA have been equally as great as Mexico considering entering the knockout rounds. Against Curacao, they published 1.83 anticipated goals for, while they sent 2.91 against the Reggae Boyz last time outside.
Given both Mexico and USA have offered lots going forward in this tournament, both’Over 2.5 Goals’ and’Both Teams to Score’ seem like viable options ahead of this game. Finals can sometimes be cagey events, although neither of this pair are likely to adopt a tentative approach, therefore the fans in attendance in Soldier Field must be treated to an open, attacking affair.
Finally, once we consider that we are discussing the top two attacking teams at the championship, who have averaged 2.2 and 2.37 expected goals for, it is not difficult to conclude that the chances of a relatively high-scoring game where both get about the score-sheet, are higher than the present chances would have us think. Therefore, a punt on the preceding picks provides some value.