Semifinal Review

What an incredible night in the Gold Cup yesterday! The two favorites USA and Mexico prevailed in to enthralling contests. The chances came fast and furious in the first game. However, the first goal would not come until 45 minutes when Goodson broke the deadlock from a cornerkick. The second half was virtually all the US. Good goal keeping from the Honduran keeper prevented the score from changing. However, in the 90th minute the US would get a second to seal the game. It was a beautiful goal, as Holden found a wide open Kenny Cooper to tap in for the second and send the US to the final.

The second game was absolute magnificent. The matchup was Costa Rica against Mexico and it was played in front of a vibrant atmosphere. However, some fans went out of line a couple times, by throwing a cascade of beverages at the Costa Rican players as they were taking corners. Mexico were able to get through a stubborn defense on a couple of occasions in the first half. Dos Santos had a great chance right before halftime, but missed wide. Early in the second half, Mexico won a penalty, but the goalie made a brilliant save to deny them. Mexico would have a number of near misses. Finally, in the 88th minute the breakthrough came. After a freekick was cleared away the ball was sent back into the box. It found a wide open Franco whose shot was blocked but got through. The goalie and a Costa Rican defender scrambled to clear it out, but it had already crossed the line. The ball was knocked back in by Mexico just to make sure. It looked like that was it. However, with 15 seconds left in stoppage time. Ledezma cleverly took a long ball around the Mexican defense and got a 1 on 1 chance with the goalie. He made a magnificent finish to tie it at 1 and send it to extra time. In extra time Mexico upped their game. They had several close encounters, but could not find the net. So, the game went to penalties. Each team converted their first two. Then, Torrado converted Mexico's third. Ledezma stepped up for the Ticos. He was earlier the hero for them, but he became the goat as his shot was saved by the goalie Ochoa. The remaining kicks were all made and as a result Mexico won 5-3 on penalties. The final that the experts expected will take place, but only just. Should be a cracker on Sunday.