CONCACAF Gold Cup Final 2015 – Mexico defeated Jamaica 3-1 to lift the Gold Cup for a record seventh time.The final of the tournament played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The match started off at a fast pace, especially the first 20 minutes was played at a frenetic pace with both teams missing their scoring chances. After 20 minutes mark, Mexico seemed more composed and forced the opponents back in their shell.
Andres Guardado put his team ahead as he opened the scoring in the 31st minute and the Jamaica goalkeeper Ryan Thompson couldn’t do much about that volley.
Mexico captain Guardado became the first player in the history of the championship to score in three Gold Cup finals. Previously he has scored three goals from spot kicks in Mexico’s last two Gold Cup wins.
At the break Mexico was leading 1-0.
Mexico signaled their intentions of securing a victory in the second half when Jesus Corona created a turnover in Jamaica’s defense and placed a left-footed shot in the far post.
Fifteen minutes later, Oribe Peralta made it 3-0 when Jamaica’s Michael Hector failed a clearing attempt and the ball showered to Peralta’s feet. He blasted it past Jamaican goalkeeper.
The crowd stood on their feet after Peralta’s goal and delighted the majority of the 69,000 spectators at the home turf of the NFL side Philadelphia Eagles.
“Reggae Boyz” could not halt the South Americans from snatching their third title in the last four attempts at the biennial North American regional football tournament.
Substitute Darren Mattocks scored in the 80th minute to pull his team back but it was too late.
Jamaica became the first Caribbean squad to reach the Gold Cup final after beating defending champions United States 2-1 in the semi-finals.
Mexico thrashed Costa Rica and Panama in the knock out stages on their way to the third final in past four attempts.
Later this year, Mexico will face 2013 Gold Cup champions United States in a playoff to determine which team will represent CONCACAF at the Confederations Cup in 2017. IMAGE/latinpost