As much as each of these two teams had their own way of making it to the final, they have their own reasons of wanting to lift the trophy – although it is both a matter of pride.
The strength of the USA
In reality, Americans' strength comes from the fact that every single player in Bob Bradley’s Gold Cup roster is equally good enough to replace another person in the team.
Names like Freddy Adu, Landon Donovan, and Feilhaber are all absent from the tournament but the USA still have the potential to climb mountains.
Bob Bradley has given the opportunity for new players to play a part in this Gold Cup competition and his risky decision to put inexperienced young men on the field has so far not failed him.
It was a new-look team that punished Honduras 2-0 in the semi-finals on Thursday. Now the champions of the CONCACAF region are still on course to defending their precious title.
Coincidently, they’ll face the Mexicans like they did two years ago. The rivalry between these two countries is hot politically as well as historically in terms of football. Bob Bradley will once again line-up young players against El Tri. The question now remains: Will the USA’s “inexperienced” team overcome the ultimate battle against a conscious Mexican side?
Revenge for Mexico
In 2007, Mexico slipped onto the second place at the expense of the USA who had then successfully defended their Gold Cup title. In 2009, El Tri’s mission will be to erase that loss to reaffirm their authority in the CONCACAF region.
After dramatically edging past Costa Rica in the semifinals of the tournament on Thursday, the Mexicans have the opportunity of taking revenge on hot foes the USA.
Javier Aguirre’s three-match ban is finally over. The former Atletico Madrid manager will be able to guide his team from the touch line in Sunday’s final. But will he be able to lead them to glory?
The question is still in suspense as the match has not yet been played. In the meantime, pressure and support are all behind the national football team of Mexico.
El Tri have gone through hard times since a couple of years now and their hunger and thirst to restore their pride has reached its critical point. Clinching victory over the United States of America in New York will not only explain Mexico’s comeback in football, but also mark a gigantesque achievement in the country’s history.
Mexico should be aware of the USA’s potential despite the absence of almost every regular team player. Miguel Sabah’s penalty miss and Ledezma’s equalizer two minutes after Franco’s breakthrough in the semifinals might ring the bell on El Tri.
There will surely be no room for mistakes against Bob Bradley’s smart Yankees.
