Sunday's Gold Cup final will take place in Mexico and the United States, when El Tri won the second semi-final 2-1 over Canada on Thursday night. With Qatar defeating Qatar 1–0 in the first semi-final, CONCACAF was defeated by Mexico and the U.S. The United States would get its rematch in June after being played in the Nations League final, which was won by the Americans.
In a match that led to extra time, it was Hector Herrera who scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time to send Gerardo Martino's team back into the final. It was a physical, heated match where one or two red cards would be appropriate, yet both teams ended with 11 players. After Herrera's goal, a brawl seemed likely as the players broke down before matters could escalate, with many on both sides losing their cool.
Herrera, who was rock in the middle all night for Mexico, scored the winner with a beautiful finish inside the box from Rodolfo Pizarro.
HECTOR HERRERA IN THE 99TH MINUTE 😱🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/y5wHyomNNv
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 30, 2021
As a result, fans will get a rematch of the 2019 Gold Cup, which Mexico won 1-0. On this night, El Tri were the strong team the entire time, and they were able to take the first lead of the game in added time in the first half on a penalty kick from Orbelin Pineda.
With the favorites in complete control, Canada was going to need a magical moment from someone in the attack, and they did it quickly. With just over 10 minutes into the second half, New England Revolution talent Tajon Buchanan scored his first goal for Canada after some dirty skill moves inside the box, a clean end to the away post.
The rest of the way, both teams had their chances, notably Mexico, but it was Canadian goalkeeper Maxim Crepue who stole the show until a late goal. The 27-year-old keeper saved a penalty kick from Carlos Salcedo, but later denied Rodolfo Pizarro with a big reaction, saving a header from close.
But as Mexico continued to advance in numbers to avoid extra time, Herrera became a hero.
As is usually the case, the title is once again in the U.S. Or go to Mexico. Every single edition of the cup has been won by one of the two sides except the 2000 edition, which was won by Canada.