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Emily Wilson·4 August 2024
🎥 Cinematic drama as Mexico stun holders USA for CONCACAF U-20 title 🏆
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Emily Wilson·4 August 2024
Mexico lifted the CONCACAF U-20 Championship title on Sunday after rallying for a cinematic 2-1 comeback over back-to-back-to-back champions the USA.
Scorer: Berchimas 52′; Mendaña 90+7′, Ochoa 120+2′
Familiar foes, these two rivals met for the fourth time on the final stage and 12th overall, meaning it would always be a mouth-watering affair. But fans could not have predicted the drama at Estadio León.
Looking to win their first title since 2015, Mexico were better throughout the first half, forcing the USA’s defence to make last-ditch blocks and clearances.
Goalkeeper Adam Beaudry kept things deadlocked with two diving saves as El Tri eventually came to rue their missed opportunities.
After the USA saw a goal ruled out for offside, 16-year-old Nimfasha Berchimas of Charlotte FC ran at the Mexican defence and scored a stunning long-range curler, which beat a diving Emmanuel Ochoa.
Mexico continued to ramp up the pressure and again had the USA on their heels for the remaining 30 minutes with 24 shots to four after 90 minutes. VAR then made a second big call in the final when El Tri had a potential equalizer ruled out for a questionable offside.
Immediately after, tempers flared between the two sides, and yellow cards were plentiful. Fans also threw items on the pitch as the clock wound down and the five minutes of injury time were up.
However, Mexico were allowed to play on, and Mateo Levy Mendaña of Cruz Azul headed home off the post with the last touch of the half to force extra time.
The next 30 minutes saw both goalkeepers again need to be at the top of their game, and the tussle continued. Then, in the dying moments yet again, the USA switched off defensively and Mexico pounced.
Deep in injury time, a cross was delivered into the box and a leaping Diego Ochoa headed home as El Tri picked up their record 14th title over the back-to-back-to-back champions.
This certainly could go down as the game of the year!