HOUSTON — Mexico striker Santiago Giménez has loads of motivation going into Sunday’s Gold Cup last in opposition to the USA: an opportunity to raise Mexico’s record-extending tenth Concacaf title, earn a priceless win over its high rival — and get an opportunity to take a playful jab over his American teammates at AC Milan.
“I am actually trying ahead to it [the final], as a result of ultimately, it is the North American clasico, and the previous couple of video games in opposition to the USA have been actually robust,” Giménez instructed reporters Saturday forward of the ultimate at NRG Stadium.
“Additionally, as a result of I’ve [Christian] Pulisic and [Yunus] Musah within the [Milan] locker room, so I wish to go and make enjoyable of them a bit.
“As I mentioned earlier than, it is the North American clasico, and it is not simply right now, it is at all times been [a clasico]. I feel the rivalry with the USA in soccer has at all times been there, and it is a fantastic factor, it is a part of soccer. Each nationwide group, each membership has its clasico, its rival to beat, and I feel our rival to beat is the USA.”
Regardless of the bragging rights at stake this summer time, neither Musah nor Pulisic, together with an extended checklist of marquee U.S. gamers, might be on the alternative aspect of the sphere to Gimenez on Sunday, having been made unavailable for the Gold Cup resulting from causes starting from accidents, relaxation and Membership World Cup duties.
Nonetheless, Mauricio Pochettino’s alternate U.S. roster has nonetheless discovered a option to Sunday’s championship, which can mark the eighth time that the 2 rival nations will meet within the Gold Cup last.
Mexico has gained 5 of these clashes, whereas the U.S. has gained two. Of their earlier head-to-head within the event’s 2021 championship match, the People defeated Mexico 1-0 in further time.
“It isn’t only a clasico, it is a last, and finals are there to be gained,” mentioned Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez forward of the match. “So now we have to offer our all. However a very powerful factor, I feel, is to get pleasure from ourselves, benefit from the sport.”
Mexico is the all-time chief in Gold Cup titles with 9, whereas the USMNT is second with seven trophies. As for the managers, Mexico’s ‘s Javier Aguirre is in his third spell in cost and beforehand lifted the Gold Cup in 2009. Pochettino, in the meantime, is looking for his first piece of silverware with the USMNT.