The consistent results obtained during the group stage and early qualification for the Round of 16 meant that the USMNT were able to leave good impressions that they seemed to be getting things right under Mauricio Pochettino. However, the results of the knockout stage showed that the performance was below expectations, and the decision meant that the Gold Cup ended with a huge amount of frustration.
It looked like the final situation would be different after Chris Richards needed just four minutes to open the scoring at the NGR Stadium after heading in a free-kick from the right-hand side. The ball hit the crossbar, but even luck seemed to be in the USA's favor, as the ball bounced into the goal and prevented the Mexicans from reacting.
However, the USMNT failed to take advantage of the opportunity to build up an attacking impetus in search of a second goal and ended up being dominated by Mexico. After a very dangerous shot in the 23rd minute from Mora, the Mexicans equalized three minutes later when Raúl Jiménez received a pass inside the area and turned beautifully to finish high with his left leg, beating the US goalkeeper.
After a semblance of a reaction at the end of the first half, the game was much less intense in the second half, with neither team able to effectively attack. However, it was striking how Mexico continued to control possession, and they deservedly managed to turn the game around after Álarez received a beautiful pass and shot deep into the goal in a well-timed move, with the VAR review confirming a fine goal.
It was only after conceding that the USMNT tried to get an equalizer, but Pochettino was unable to turn the game around and Mexico were crowned champions on home soil.
Pochettino can't make the USMNT competitive
With few offensive solutions and a lack of creation that caught the eye in the most technically demanding matches, the USMNT leaves the Gold Cup with huge concerns. With only a year to go until the start of the World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino's side need to make some big changes to avoid an embarrassment.