LAS VEGAS -- It will be the second meeting between longtime rivals in 56 days when the U.S men's national team meets Mexico in Sunday's 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final. The relative stakes of these matches are not comparable.The sides met on June 6th in the CONCACAF Nations League final. It was the U.S. that was in desperate need of victory. Gregg Berhalter had been in charge of the team for almost a decade and there was no win that would confirm that they were on the right track.This statement was necessary to build confidence in the coach's methods and to give this group of players something tangible that would complement their undeniable talent. The game was a wild one, and the players stepped up to the challenge, even if it meant that they had to drink a few more bottles of water, to win 3-2.Mexico's loss was hard for them, as they always do against the U.S. However, there was hope that Gerardo "Tata” Martino's team had performed well enough to win. They had led twice and had the chance to make it 3-3 if Ethan Horvath didn't save Andres Guardado from being penalized. El Tri would fight again, as it was.- Gold Cup bracket results, schedule, and moreStream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. Only)- Do you not have ESPN? Get instant accessWhat has changed going into Sunday's match at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday? One word: Expectations.The U.S. entered this tournament with a youthful and inexperienced roster. One fundamental reason was the desire to rest presumptive first team regulars Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.However, it was important to understand the potential impact of up-and-coming players on the international stage. This is particularly important considering that World Cup qualifying begins in September and triple-fixture windows will be open.This left the U.S. in a bit more of a quandary. Berhalter stated from the beginning that winning the tournament was the goal, regardless of how the roster was constructed. Yet, there have been instances when team youth has been cited as an explanation for poor performances.Gregg Berhalter is already the man responsible for Mexico's final victory. He can he do it again in the Gold Cup. GettyCanada won the group stage 1-0 against the United States. Canada had some experience, but Canada also had some new faces. Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Jonathan David were absent. However, it wasn't the younger players that let the U.S. down, but the veterans who didn't step up.Qatar was a far better team in the second half, but they couldn't get past Matt Turner in goal. This allowed the Americans to rally late and secure victory with a Gyasi Zardes goal.This U.S. team reached the final a testament to its ability adapt, grow, and achieve results. Injuries to Walker Zimmerman, Paul Arriola, defender, and Reggie Cannon, both midfielders, have left them with few options. However, these injuries have given Berhalter data points about players such as Shaq Moore and Miles Robinson, James Sands, and Matthew Hoppe.These developments suggest that the U.S. will be playing with its house money on Sunday. The pre-tournament favourite has largely met its objectives and it is not expected to lose. Berhalter still wants his side to be greedy, and complete the job.After the semifinal, the U.S. coach stated that "we're not done" and sent a message to the team. It's nice that we made it to the final, but we want the final. Our number one goal is to win the Gold Cup. Our No. 1 goal is to win Gold Cup. That was what we said before the Gold Cup and that's what we'll repeat.Mexico's stakes could not be higher. Mexico cannot lose this game, even though it nearly can't win. A short-handed U.S. team would defeat Mexico to claim the 12th Gold Cup title.In the event of defeat, however, pressure will increase and doubts will be raised for World Cup qualifying. Martino's job at the end of the day would be lost if this happened.Although there has been a tendency to do so in the past, Juan Carlos Osorio's tenure is instructive. After a 7-0 defeat by Chile in the 2016 Copa America Centenario quarterfinals of 2016, Mexico Football Federation supported him. His patience and focus on stability were rewarded with World Cup qualification, as well as a victory over German holders in Russia.Even though the play may not always be up to its high standards, this Mexico team has managed to achieve results. Jonathan dos Santos was regrouped after the death of his father. One would expect that the team's experience, especially in the midfield, will show at some point.Berhalter pointed out how poor Berhalter's side was at winning duels against Qatar with only 42.7% and 30% respectively. Rogelio Funes Muri and others should be able to benefit from this situation again. It would be a difficult night for a backline that has done so well.However, the nature of this long-standing rivalry makes it seem inevitable that there will be another dramatic chapter. Expect another thrilling encounter, given the mental fortitude displayed by the U.S. over the last few weeks, and the need-to-win nature for Mexico.
