A summer blessed by two intense tournament finals between the U.S. men's national team and Mexico concluded in thrilling fashion on Sunday, with center back Miles Robinson heading in the Gold Cup winner for the USMNT deep into extra-time.
Though the sides were significantly different than the ones that met one another for the chaotic Nations League final in June, the level of drama remained roughly the same. Robinson's goal set off a dogpile with teammates near the corner flag, wild celebrations in the stands and reactions on social media.
Goal has chronicled how the Gold Cup final went down.
Missed chances both ways
The fact the match even reached extra time was a shocker, as both teams created and missed phenomenal chances.
Paul Arriola had two of the best in regulation for the USMNT. Orbelin Pineda went close several times for Mexico.
Off the post for the United States 🥴pic.twitter.com/TIzqPiDuH4
— Goal (@goal) August 2, 2021
Pineda gets a clean look but can't put it on frame for Mexico! 😬 pic.twitter.com/cH3dGVaRKz
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 2, 2021
I don’t totally understand “expected goals” but it feels like it should something like USA 8-8 Mexico.
— Sam Borden (@SamBorden) August 2, 2021
How is this match still level 😱 pic.twitter.com/qClcvjm1v5
— Goal (@goal) August 2, 2021
Herrera escapes with yellow for high boot
El Tri midfielder Hector Herrera may have been fortunate to remain on the pitch after this second-half challenge...
absolutely not pic.twitter.com/xfDDXtqvFV
— Hector Diaz (@iamHectorDiaz) August 2, 2021
Red card?
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) August 2, 2021
Not for Mexico’s Hector Herrera in the #GoldCup final 🥵
pic.twitter.com/WdbIofHhkc
Yellow 😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/3hE98tnj1T
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) August 2, 2021
Gotta respect Herrera’s insistence on seeing just how far one can go with Concacaf officiating before getting sent off.
— Anthony Kristensen (@AMFKristensen) August 2, 2021
USMNT wins it late through Robinson
MILES ROBINSON PUTS THE UNITED STATES AHEAD DEEP INTO EXTRA-TIME 🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/IHmikFjsHc
— Goal (@goal) August 2, 2021
The United States has beaten Mexico in the Gold Cup final!
— Goal (@goal) August 2, 2021
Summer trophy count: 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/POGbE630Jg
Dread it. Run from it. 2026 is coming. #USAvMEX 🇺🇸🏆 pic.twitter.com/VgrDQA4uLL
— Alek (@Alekzandur) August 2, 2021
Wow, you gotta give it to them. Fighting till the end 🇺🇸 👏🏿#proud #USAvMEX
— bambadjan (@RealBambadjan) August 2, 2021
The “C” is for CHAMPIONS! 💪🏼 💪🏼
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) August 2, 2021
Congrats, boys #USMNT #USA #FutbolAmericas
Warriors man. Kings of Concacaf. WHAT A PERFORMANCE FROM THIS TEAM. @USMNT Champs.
— Stu Holden (@stuholden) August 2, 2021
Dos a Cero for the summer
— Michael Parkhurst (@MFparkhurst) August 2, 2021
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
So maybe USA soccer is in pretty good shape? #USAvMEX
— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) August 2, 2021
present and future of soccer in the US looking bright— congrats to @USMNT Conocaf @GoldCup gold cup champions
— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) August 2, 2021
OMG OMG OMG MILES ROBINSON WITH THE GO-AHEAD GOAL!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸 He’s been exceptional for the #USMNT tonight! #USAvMEX
— Alex Stec (@Alex_Stec_) August 2, 2021
🇺🇸🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 The seven time #GoldCup21 champions! #USMNT! #ThisIsOurs #OurFinal pic.twitter.com/SwZzAoC182
— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) August 2, 2021