Mexico vs USA Predictions

Right from the word go, Mexico have looked the team to beat and that has proven to be the case, as they’ve reached the last game of the tournament, though the job is far from done. USA, who won this competition back in 2017, stand between Gerard Martino’s men and a first Gold Cup success since 2015.

All the way through the tournament, Mexico’s attacking power and overall stylish play has caught the eye. They were in scintillating attacking form during the groups, scoring 13 goals in just three games. They did of course face inferior opposition, though it would’ve been easy for them to hold back, winning but just a few goals, so the fact that they went full throttle and looked to build momentum was pleasing.

Since the tournament got serious, Mexico have slowed down in terms of goals scored, scoring just once in regulation time during the knockout rounds, though their overall performance levels haven’t really dipped, especially from an attacking point of view. Against Costa Rica in the quarters, Mexico posted 1.98 expected goals for, while they continued to be creative against Haiti last time out, posting 2.43.

Mexico aren’t the only team to impress both in terms of creativity and goals, as USA have also dazzled the crowds at times. During the groups, Greg Berhalter’s men notched a pleasing 11 goals, while they’ve scored four in two knockout matches. Last time out when scoring three goals against the Jamaicans, USA looked very dangerous in the final third. They also shaped as though they would relish playing against a Mexico side that certainly come out and play, thus leaving space in behind.

As far as creativity goes, USA have been just as good as Mexico since entering the knockout rounds. Against Curacao, they posted 1.83 expected goals for, while they delivered 2.91 against the Reggae Boyz last time out.

Given that both Mexico and USA have offered plenty going forward at this tournament, both ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ and ‘Both Teams to Score’ look like viable options ahead of this match. Finals can sometimes be cagey affairs, though neither of this pair are likely to adopt a tentative approach, so the fans in attendance at Soldier Field should be treated to an open, attacking affair.

Ultimately, when we consider that we’re talking about the best two attacking teams at the tournament, who’ve averaged 2.2 and 2.37 expected goals for, it’s not difficult to conclude that the chances of a relatively high-scoring game where both get on the score-sheet, are greater than the current odds would have us believe. Therefore, a punt on the above selections provides some value.