Reigning gold medalist Mexico will face Canada at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Thursday for a coveted spot in the tournament final.
Mexico will try to defend their title and lift the trophy for a record-breaking ninth time, while Canada has only succeeded with the achievement once in 2000.
Canucks’ inspiring 2-0 win over Costa Rica boosted morale as the nation qualified for the Gold Cup semifinals for the first time since 2007. El Tri are clear favorites, but Canada’s determination may surprise their North American rivals.
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Mexico vs. Canada will take place in Houston / Ralph Freso / Getty Images
When is kick off? Thursday 29 July 22:00 (ET), Friday 30 July 3:00 (GMT + 1)Where is the match played? NRG Stadium, HoustonWhich TV channel is it on? FS1 (US), Univision (US), TUDN (US), Premier Sports (UK)What livestream is it on? Univision NU (USA), fuboTV (USA), TUDN app (USA), Fox Sports app (USA)
Mexico fans during the quarterfinals against Honduras / Ralph Freso / Getty Images
After a disappointing 0-0 tournament opener against Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico improved and won three games in a row.
The North American country now has an impressive defensive record and stands as the only nation in the semifinals not conceded a goal. Their 3-0 victory over Honduras in the knockout stages proved that Mexico poses an offensive threat with the likes of Rogelio Funes Mori and Orbelin Pineda.
The team reports no new injuries since Hirving Lozano left in the early moments of the group stage.
Canada ahead of the quarterfinal match against Costa Rica / Ron Jenkins / Getty Images
Canada managed an impressive 2-0 victory over Costa Rica to qualify for the semifinals against Mexico.
Young midfielder Stephen Eustaquio guided the team for 90 minutes and helped the first goal before scoring the second himself. Canada will try to repeat the final in 2000, where the North American nation defeated Mexico 2-1 in extra time for one of the tournament’s biggest unexpected disruptions.
The team does not report any new injuries other than those previously suffered by Alphonso Davies, Ayo Akinola and Cyle Larin.
Mexico: Talavera; Rodriguez, Araujo, Moreno, Gallardo; Dos Santos, Herrera, Alvarez; Corona, Funes Mori, Pineda.
Canada: Crepeau; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller; Laryea, Eustaquio, Kaye, Buchanan; Hoilett, Cavallini, Osorio.
Mexico has the historic edge against Canada and manages 21 records, three losses and nine draws.
Their most recent meeting in the 2019 Gold Cup group stage saw El Tri defeat Les Rouges 3-1, with a fantastic goal by Andres Guardado before Major League Footballer Lucas Cavallini pulled his back against Canada. In 2000, Canada managed to defeat Mexico to lift the Gold Cup trophy for the first time in history, but has not yet succeeded against El Tri since.
This will not be an easy game for either side, which can be translated into one with few goals. Mexico may see their clean records disappear, but their offensive power may seem to them over the edge. Canada must break its comfort zone to see a victory against Mexico.
Prediction: Mexico 2-1 Canada
