The predictions going into last night’s match made clear that Mexico was the dominant team over Cuba. The match took place on Thursday, July 9th at Soldier’s Field in Chicago at 8:30 pm and ended in an overwhelming 6-0 victory for Mexico.
Given Mexico’s CONCACAF Gold Cup #2 rank and six title wins, the team could not have made it look easier. The first and last time Cuba beat Mexico was in 1978 with their history standings at 14-1. Even with Javier Hernandez “Chicharito” out on an injury, the team dominated in every aspect.
The match began immediately in favor of Mexico with several close shots and majority of possession. At the 15th minute mark Cuba came close to scoring a goal into their own net. Luckily for Cuban defender Yasnier Napoles, the header hit the pole and went out of play.
Gaining possession and control of the match proved extremely difficult for Cuba. The team arrived in Chicago seven players short; Keiler Garcia defected this week and the six other players, along with the head coach Raul Gonzalez Triana, couldn’t make it in time due to “logistical problems.”
At the 17th minute Oribe Peralta scored Mexico’s and his first goal. Quickly going after the ball in the box he was able to slam it past Cuban goalkeeper Diosvelis Guerra.
The next goal for Mexico came effortlessly at the 23rd minute by Carlos Vela taking advantage of Cuban clearance and maintaining control against a defender.
Peralta’s second goal of the night came from a deflected pass and was shot immediately making the score 3-0 at the 36th minute. Less than nine minutes later, Andres Guardado shot a header that flew right past Guerra giving Mexico their fourth goal of the night just before halftime.
“I feel great about our win tonight, especially coming out of a six streak loss, but I know we are going to have to fight against very good teams for the title. I have faith in my team and know we will go far in the Gold Cup, but we can’t let the ego of this game affect how we play in the next.”
Cuba showed no difference in the second half and continued to play nervously as the pressure became heavier. At the 62nd minute Peralta scored another goal completing the hat trick of the night. The ball came from across the box as he headed it to the net, it trickled as he confirmed the goal by burying it with a kick.
Ten minutes following Mexico’s fifth goal came Giovani Dos Santos with a chalked goal called for offsides. Shortly following at the 75th minute, Dos Santos was given another opportunity after receiving a long pass and hitting it straight into the net.
All of the players on Cuba’s national team play for Cuban clubs, so the team is very close. “The closeness can be a curse and a blessing. We committed many errors, but we believe we can get better” says Cuba’s assistant coach Chuy Morales. In regards to the team’s performance he said, “…we kept working hard, fighting, and we didn’t give up even though it would have been easier to do so.”
Cuba will play Trinidad and Tobago first on Sunday, July 12th in Phoenix, Arizona at 6:30 pm ET. Immediately following this match will play Mexico against Guatemala at 9:00 pm.
