Surprising, or Not So Much?

No Mexico in the Gold Cup final?

That would probably constitute a surprise, under normal circumstances.
But given the squad Mexico brought to this year's competition it's not really such a big surprise that they lost to Panama. Twice.

There's only one positive thing, which is that the Mexican forwards got some saves - two - out of Panamanian goalkeeper Penedo (who has not saved much in this tournament until now).

As a matter of fact, talking about the second save, Isaac Brizuela should really have scored with that chip of his (in minute 80).
Even though he had milliseconds to shoot, he was alone with the keeper. That would have made it 2-2.
But, seeing as how he is a reserve player, people won't be too harsh on him.
It should have been Chicharito there, not Brizuela.

Mexico's defense disappointed, too.
Everyone was left stunned when Ramon Torres scored his header, 16 minutes into the second half.

But, in all honesty, United States and Panama have been the two best teams in this tournament.
And the only two unbeaten.

So, the final USA - Panama makes sense more than the Mexicans might like to admit.

Highlights: