Giménez hopes to ‘make fun’ of Pulisic after Gold Cup final
HOUSTON – Mexico striker Santiago Giménez has a lot of motivation in the Gold Cup final on Sunday against the United States: a chance to lift the 10th Concacaf title in Mexico, to win an invaluable victory over his upper rival – and to have a chance to take a play on his American teammates at AC Milan.
“I can’t wait to be there [the final]Because in the end, it is the North American Classico, and the last games against the United States was really difficult, “Giménez told journalists on Saturday before the NRG stadium.
“Also, because I have [Christian] Pulisic and [Yunus] Musah in the [Milan] Lock, so I want to go and make fun of them a little.
“As I have already said, it is the North American classico, and it is not only today, it has always been [a clasico]. I think that rivalry with the United States in football has always been there, and it is a wonderful thing, that is part of football. Each national team, each club has its classico, its rival to beat, and I think our rival to beat is the United States. “”
Despite the royalty rights in play this summer, neither Musah nor Pulisic, as well as a long list of American brand players, will not be on the other side of the field for Gimenez on Sunday, having not been available for the Golden Cup for reasons ranging from injuries, rest and tasks of the Club World Cup.
Nevertheless, the list of the United States of Mauricio Pochettino has always found a means towards the Sunday championship, which will mark the eighth time that the two rival nations will meet in the final of the Gold Cup.
Mexico won five of these clashes, while the United States won two. In their previous face to face in the tournament championship match in 2021, the Americans beat Mexico 1-0 in more time.
“It’s not just a classico, it’s a final, and the finals are there to be won,” said Fulham Raúl Jiménez striker before the match. “So we have to give everything. But the most important thing, I think, is to have fun, to enjoy the game.”
Mexico is the leader of all time in the titles of the Gold Cup with new, while the USMNT is second with seven trophies. As for the managers, Javier Aguirre of Mexico is in his third spell in charge and previously raised the Gold Cup in 2009. Pochettino, meanwhile, is looking for his first piece of silverware with the USMNT.
