The 2021 Gold Cup comes to an end on Sunday August 1st, and once again it pits two old foes against each other as the USMNT search for their seventh Gold Cup title, while Mexico their ninth regional crown.
It has been an up and down tournament for both teams in regard to their style of play, El Tri have scored goals but have also not put away their chances as much as they’d like, while the United States have not been fluid in attack at all. For Tata Martino it’s a chance to win his second Gold Cup with Mexico, while Gregg Berhalter looks to upset Mexico with a B squad.
Here at Bolavip we have created a survey pitting each starting player against one and another, and we are asking you to cast your vote so we can determine who is the best side going into the Gold Cup Final, Mexico or the USMNT?
Matt Turner or Alfredo Talavera
Matt Turner has been very solid in goal for the United States, making key saves in almost every game the team has played in at the Gold Cup. Turner has only given up one goal in the whole tournament against Martinique in which the United States had already put the game away. Turner’s performances have been so good many pundits believe he has a serious shot to be the USMNT number 1 in goal.
Alfredo Talavera is an experienced goalkeeper at 38-years-old and is commanding the net because Guillermo Ochoa is on Olympic duty. Nonetheless Talavera has played his part as Mexico have only allowed one goal the whole tournament. Talavera showed his skill against Canada and early hiccups against Trinidad & Tobago and Guatemala.
Shaq Moore or Luis Rodríguez
Shaq Moore has come on really strong in the Gold Cup, after playing himself off the USMNT, Moore scored an impressive goal against Canada and has been firm at the back for the red, white, and blue.
Luis Rodríguez also got on the score sheet like Moore in the game against El Salvador and saved Mexico from what would have been an embarrassing tie. Rodríguez, like many players on El Tri, is all about getting up field.
James Sands or Carlos Salcedo
James Sands came out of left field, the young central defender has held his own in the Gold Cup and asserted himself as a good partner for Miles Robinson.
Carlos Salcedo has brought his leadership to El Tri and despite missing a penalty against Canada the 27-year-old has been solid for Tata Martino’s side going into the final.
Miles Robinson or Héctor Moreno
Miles Robinson has been one of the more stand out players of this USMNT Gold Cup roster. The Atlanta United defender’s stock has been rising and is set to be the next American to make a move across the pond.
Héctor Moreno is all experience, the 33-year-old captain of Mexico has been steady at the back for El Tri as little to no offense has been able to pull through the Mexican defensive block.
Sam Vines or Jesús Gallardo
Sam Vines scored a critical goal against Haiti to give the USMNT their first three points in the Gold Cup. Since then, Vines has remained solid for the United States and gets up field often.
Jesús Gallardo also can get up field and cause havoc for opposing teams. Gallardo has been firm at the left back position and like Mexico has not been troubled much when it comes to opponents’ offense.
Gianluca Busio or Jonathan dos Santos
How good has Gianluca Busio been at the Gold Cup? Well, it has been said that Busio is close to a move to Serie A in Italy. Busio has commanded the US midfield and has been one the team's best performers during the tournament.
Jonathan dos Santos came through for El Tri in their quarter final victory over Honduras scoring the second. Aside from that dos Santos has been solid in the midfield for Tata Martino’s side.
Kellyn Acosta or Edson Álvarez
Just when you think Kellyn Acosta was off the USMNT the Gold Cup proved he could be a good utility man going into World Cup qualifying. While not overly impressive Acosta has done the job for the USMNT.
Edson Álvarez commands El Tri’s midfield, the Ajax man while not showing up on the scoresheet has done the dirty work in the middle for Tata Martino and Mexico.
Sebastian Lletget or Héctor Herrera
Sebastian Lletget may be the only true A player on this USMNT Gold Cup squad. Lletget has been his solid self during the tournament, providing a creative touch for the USMNT in the middle.
Héctor Herrera is a workhorse in the middle for Mexico and scored that late goal that put Mexico in the final against Canada. Look for Herrera to command the middle come Sunday.
Paul Arriola or Jesús Corona
Paul Arriola can be deadly when moving forward, with his quick burst of speed the DC United attacking midfielder has speed and a great finishing touch. Look for Arriola to use those skills in the final.
Jesús Corona can be counted on to put the ball in the back of the net for El Tri. Yet to score in this edition of the Gold Cup, Corona is itching to come up big for Mexico, and it has not been for a lack of trying.
Daryl Dike or Rogelio Funes Mori
Daryl Dike has scored two goals in the Gold Cup and has shown why he went on a tear in England. The Orlando City forward won’t be in MLS for long and has made a real argument to be the USMNT go to forward come qualifying.
Rogelio Funes Mori had to endure a lot of hardship from fans who refused to see a duel national play for Mexico. Well, Funes Mori responded with goals and clearly has won a starting spot on the Mexican team.
Matthew Hoppe or Orbelín Pineda
The new kid on the block Matthew Hoppe scored a big goal to get the USMNT to the semifinals against Jamaica in a tight match for the Americans. Hoppe has an impressive work rate and is beginning to make a run to be on the USMNT A squad challenging other players.
The experienced Orbelín Pineda has three goals in the Gold Cup and is one of Mexico’s best attacking options. Pineda will be key in setting up goals and finishing them off in the final.
