It’s a great satisfaction to win Gold Cup, says Mexico coach

Mexico won a record seventh Gold Cup with a 3-1 win against first-time finalists Jamaica and their coach Miguel Herrera is satisfied with the feat.

Andres Guardado volleyed the opener in front of almost 70,000 at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field 31 minutes into the game.

Jesus Corona and Oribe Peralta added goals before Darren Mattocks’s late consolation for Jamaica, who were the first Caribbean team in the final.

Mexico also won the Gold Cup – the continental tournament for teams in North and Central America and the Caribbean – in 1993, 1996, 1998, 2003, 2009 and 2011.

And Herrera is pleased with the latest achievement.

“We’re very happy,” he said.

“We dominated the ball. We got the rhythm we wanted and controlled the play. It’s a great satisfaction for all of us.”

PSV Eindhoven’s Guardado finished the tournament with six goals, one less than top scorer Clint Dempsey of the United States, as he was awarded the Golden Ball for being the best player.

Jamaica were unable to produce an upset as El Tri won their third title from the last four cups, but the silver medal is well worth its weight in gold according to their coach Winfried Schaefer.

“For me this is not silver. For me this is gold,” he said.

“Nobody gave us a shot. This team played all its matches over its head. I’m very proud to coach this team. Jamaica should be very proud.”

Mexico have now qualified for a play-off against 2013 champions the United States billed for October 9 for a place in the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.