Jon’s — Ultimate National Challenge — The Gold Cup Final MUST READ!

The list below is what I need to win and what I have already won so far;

The Copa America

The Oceania Nations Cup

The Caribbean Championships*

The Gold Cup

The World Cup – 2014 England

The Confederations Cup – 2013 England

The Olympics*

The African Nations — 2017 — Cameroon

The Asian Cup

The European Championships – 2012 England

The Four Associations Tournament

As you can see there is two cups with a * on the end, they are in place because they aren’t a cup I have to win to complete it. If I get the chance I shall go for it but I will not be searching for the job.

So as you know from my previous post I managed to get Mexico to the final of the Gold Cup final, but who against well Mexico are playing Canada. They are a team I played not so long ago and well we didn’t manage to win but we didn’t lose although we totally dominated possession and shoots in the match the match fizzled out to be a 0-0 so surely I can’t underestimate Canada and their defence yet again. The last time Mexico managed to win this cup was in 2013 when they actually beat Canada in the final 2-1. I see this game as my revenge game with Jason Bent (The Canadian first team coach)  to beat him and Canada for the first time with Mexico, Oh and I can’t forget I win the Gold Cup to ;)

My nerves was slowly building up but nothing compared to my last cup final, I am relaxed and as cool as a cucumber. Which is good because there is less pressure on my hands when facing Canada because they are a team who I should be beating with ease. I’ll give you a little background of Canada, They have only managed to pick up three trophies in their time with one dating back to 1904 when they won the Olympic games. The two other trophies they managed to pick up is the one they are playing for today the Gold Cup when they picked it up first in 2000 and again 2015 (Holders). There isn’t to much to say as they aren’t a established national side as of yet but I could see them picking up another Gold Cup soon but not today!

I’ll give you Canada’s journey to the final of the Gold Cup;

Starting with the groups, Where they had the U.S.A, Cuba and Trinidad & Tobago they came out of the group with a record of

Played 3 — Won 1 — Drawn 1 — Lost 1

A little below par but it was enough to clinch 2nd place over Trinidad & Tobago based on their goal difference, so moving on to the quarter finals where they met Honduras where they managed to get a respectable 2-0 win.

The semi finals wasn’t as respectable as they was drawn against Costa Rica and to my knowledge they aren’t the best team in the Gold Cup. Obviously they must of beat them as they are in the final but only just! Costa Rica where leading 1 -0 from the 43rd minute all the way up to the 90+1 where Junior Hoilett managed to grab an equaliser to take it to extra time and after watching the reply quite a few times from different angles and speed I came to the conclusion that he was offside only the slightest but he was in my eyes and that has cost Costa Rica a chance to beat Mexico and win their first Gold Cup. Lastly Junior Hoilett managed to grab a winner with 102 minutes on the clock to put Canada in to the final.

If you can see, I am sure you will agree that he is offside but the slightest!

Here is the run down on how I got to the final of the Gold Cup;

I’ll start off with the groups where which we coasted through, we had El Salvador, Netherlands Antilles and Jamaica in the groups which we managed to come out with a record off;

Played 3 — Won 3 — Drawn 0 — Lost 0

Just as expected total domination Mexico’s goal difference was +11 scoring 12 and only conceded 1 goal.

So swiftly moving onto the quarter finals which was a big scare for me as we could of easily got knocked out on penalties, winning 3-1 on penalties wasn’t the outcome I wanted but at the end of the day a win is a win it was a very below par performance for Mexico, the moral of that «Never underestimate the predictability of your opponent» and I shall never do so again!

Ah the Semi finals one more step and we are there the champions of the Gold Cup and one step closer to the end of the world, I joke but one step closer to me completing my Ultimate National Challenge. Mexico had drawn U.S.A who I am sure was second favourites to win the Gold Cup below Mexico so out of all matches I thought this was going to be hardest of the games I’d play in the tournament but the score says different! A hell of a lot different Mexico was just a different class today they came out of their shell and smashed U.S.A 6-1 something I did not see coming and I am sure neither did you!

So that’s the tale of the two and «Judgement day» 06.08.17 is when two forces shall collide and battle for the Gold Cup but as you know only one team can come out victorious. «Not all legends are about victory, some are about struggle, who you are and the reason you are here.» I say that because I struggled to land the job at England, I found out that I was cut out for this job and the reason I am here, I am here because I want to win trophies.

So I hear you cry, What’s the odds for Mexico to win the final well it is 4-7 for Mexico to beat Canada. With Canada 4-1 to win the final for me personally I would put my money on Mexico to win the final I’ve got a feeling we will break the defence today unlike last time we know now what we are up against on the terms or players and the style of play Canada which is good but then again so do they so it works vice versa.

Sky Bet released earlier in the day «Mexico have been touted the comfortably favourites but will have to be wary about complacency when taking on Canada tonight. I would put your money on Mexico but do not over look Canada!»

So for the first time of the top of my head I have been touted the favourites to win the Final, which is a great feeling as it doesn’t put as much pressure on me as before but previously being the underdog it could of made me thrive under it and come out on top but who knows? Let’s see how this final ends up being!

Finally something I am sure you’ve been waiting for Mexico’s starting eleven for the Gold Cup Final when they play Canada! I’ve picked this team based on previous matches in the tournament and a lot to do with the potential they show and I feel putting them in the starting line up will get them going and go give it their all and hope to keep their place in the Mexican squad. I shall put a * next to the player or players who I personally feel are one with potential!

First up Mexico’s number one, Yes of course that’s the goal keeper he has played in all of Mexico’s games in the Gold Cup and shall feature in the final as the man between the sticks and yes that man is Guillermo Ochoa.

Next up is the defenders, my LB my RB and my two CB’s. I feel that they are the strongest back four available for Mexico at this current date. We are missing a superb left-back in Adrian Aldrete who misses the game due to suspension! (Idiot)

My right back he has managed to pick up 52 caps for Mexico with his first back dating to 2012. He is currently the only right back we have in the squad so he was a must play in the final and he goes by the name of Enrique Perez.

Over to the other side of the pitch where a replacement is needed, as you no Adrian Aldrete is banned for this game due to receiving g a red card in the quarter finals never the less his replacement is a great player and has picked up 19 caps for the national side which is impressive as he has had to get passed Aldrete, His name is Darvin Chavez.

Finally down to the centre backs the main people in my eyes when it comes to defending and we are lucky enough to have two of them. There was no other players who stood out to me and these was placed in the starting eleven instantly. One of them goes by Hector Moreno he has picked up and incredible 95 caps for Mexico sensational! The player who lines up against Hector is a young but is very confident on and off the ball *Rafael Ramirez* who has picked up only 4 caps and has even knocked one into the back of the net in those 4 caps and guess what he is one of my potential players.

On to the midfield now where we have two central midfielders and two wingers, the wingers do play more of a attack role as they place them self as an «AMR» and «AML» these two wingers are well amazing on all honesty they are great wingers with plenty of assists from whipping in a couple of crosses and they are doing their job to perfection.

So first up AMR, he has played for Mexico a fair few times he comes in at 85 caps for Mexico knocking in a fair amount which is 23 goals for his home nation!

On the other side of the park is one hell of a servant to his nation team, knocking up a 122 caps for Mexico aged 30 I personally feel he has got at least another 20+ games left in his tank if the games are coming thick and fast for Mexico. Ok he may not be the best at assisting goals but he can sure deliver and when he does I feel there will be a goal with ease! He goes by the name off Andres Guardado.

The boys who control the middle of the park, the central midfielders and we’ve got two very good players in the squad and there wasn’t even a thought of who I would be starting because they are the best in the squad. first up is Jonathan Dos Santos a very good player with some excellent mental attributes and one that shines to me is his passing ability of 17 which means to me some great through balls to the strikers!

Next up is the Mexican captain, racking up a total of 109 for Mexico that is a outstanding achievement and being captain must top it off him! Efrain Juarez is a top quality player he must be 1 — Starting the game 2- Starting the game as captain 3- Being picked for the squad 4 — 109 caps! Ochoa, Perez, Chavez, Moreno, Ramirez, Barrera, Guardado, Dos Santos, Juarez,

The guys who score the goals, well meant to score the goals anyway, I’ve got two who like to score which is good of course ;) Well one of them is without a doubt one of my favourite players playing in the premiership because like I said earlier  «Not all legends are about victory, some are about struggle, who you are and the reason you are here.» I think that fit perfect for Chicharito, because he was a complete no-body when he came to the premiership and he’s came from Mexico and without being rude isn’t the best place to be brought up.

Finally the eleventh player and the final one aloud to start the game and I’ve chose him because he’s got potential I have got better players on the bench but I strongly believe he will be able to do well and knick a goal for Mexico in the final and yes it’s the guy who came on as a substitution in the last match and netted a hat-trick against the U.S.A. It’s Trick Torres.

That’s all of them, the eleven lucky bunch to walk out in the shirt to start the first 45 minutes for Mexico a proud moment for them and a proud moment for their parents. Together as the starting eleven they have racked up a total off 740 caps combined as a team which is a hell of a lot of caps. On the bench even they have a impressive number of caps and they total up at 287 combined. I won’t make you wait any longer than you need to here we go.

The Gold Cup 2017

Mexico vs Canada

Venue —

New Meadowlands  Stadium, East Rutherford (NJ)

Attendance —

82,566

Weather —

Gusty

Referee —

Dean French

Team line ups —

Mexico —

Ochoa, Perez, Chavez, Moreno, Ramirez, Barrera, Guardado, Dos Santos, Juarez, Hernandez and Torres.

Canada —

All-Shalibani, Knox, White, Anderson, Attakora, Hoilett, Gauss, Edgar, Nunez, Grubisic and Bunbury.

So according to a well known source, they have been having a few comments in reason times with Mexico and they are «Goal.Com».

They have released on their latest update that «I think Mexico have enough to secure a win against Canada.»

After sending the boys out for a warm up on the pitch I was in the dressing room with my assistant Luis Fernando Tena and we went through potential danger players of Canada and what we could do to prevent this. With 15 minutes before kick off we called the lads in for a little team talk, we went through who we thought was dangers and what they had to do that would prevent them becoming a cause to us winning. For the whole team to listen to all I could really say to them was do this for your fans! They have paid money to travel here watch you play in all the games and it’s what they deserve after all a nice cup at the end so like I said go do it for your fans. (Team talk — For the fans.)

I sat down nervously in my seat on the touchline while Juarez huddles the boys into the circle for his own talk with the players they separate and all give each other a hug, this was quite emotional to see be cause it is just showing me how this means to them and wishing each player good luck.

Canada get the game under way.

With only less than one minute on the clock Mexico are on the attack which all started from an perfectly timed challenge from Ramirez on the edge of the box, a loss ball was then cleared away from the edge of the Mexican box by Chavez. The ball went straight to Hernandez in the air but under pressure by Anderson to what I thought was a mistake Hernandez flicked it on passed Anderson and the rest of the Canadian defence. With the ball heading towards the Canadian goal with no one under control it was a two man race towards the ball with Hernandez under pursuit of his flick on and left-back White both chasing the ball there could only be one winner and than was White, White under control of the ball passed it back safely to his goalkeeper All-Shalibani where what he thought a clearance of the ball towards a Canadian player. The ball only managed to reach Mexican right winger Barrera and Canadian Gauss. Lucky enough Barrera out jumped Gauss for the header and the ball was heading back towards the Canadian goal, the header found Hernandez and he was outside the box with only one option and that was forward! With White and Anderson clueless of Hernandez pace and ability he ran between them and was in the box with All-Shalibani coming out to stop Hernandez, Hernandez only had the option of shooting and that he did with a brilliant shot to beat All-Shalibani and it rattled the back of the net and you could hear the Mexico fans erupt with joy. With 58 seconds on the clock it was Mexico 1 — 0 Canada.

Mexico 1 — 0 Canada

With seven minutes on the clock, Jonathan Dos Santos picks up the ball in the middle of the park where he looks up and see’s no clear option so he looks for the next best and that is on his left hand side where Chavez picks up the ball on the half way line with Chavez keeping the ball moving along the line he runs a couple of yards and see’s Hoilett making a move towards Chavez so he does the right thing and passes it along the line towards his partner on the left Guardado who looks forward and see’s Erick Torres making a darting run forward looking for a through ball and that is just what he gets! Guardado makes a superb through ball it was a sublime pass in fact. Torres with the ball at his feet and All-Shalibani rushing out like a mad man I thought he could of easily won the ball or even got the ball but Torres to which of more than likely ended in a penalty and a possible red card for All-Shalibani! But no neither of them happened Torres took it past All-Shalibani with such great technique and with it impossible for Torres to miss he slots it into the empty Canadian net! What an embarrassing moment for All-Shalibani! With Mexico 2 — 0 before 10 minutes has even gone I really do not know what the final score could be on this.

Mexico 2 — 0 Canada

With only 4 minutes left before half time, Canada have their only chance of me worth writing about. It all starting with left-back Nunez making a long ball towards his team mate Bunbury who nods it down to left midfielder Gauss who is in plenty of space dribbling along the left side of the pitch, Right back Perez made him self visible in front of Gauss who was advancing towards the Mexican goal before he couldn’t go no where else he looked up and found Edgar of the Canadian Midfield who then gave it back to Gauss he cut in front of Perez and was nearing the centre of the pitch of the Mexican half. Something magical happened Gauss managed to run though referee Dean French which led to Gauss taking a few more yards before unleashing a very ambitious shot at goal which went a couple of yards wide of the goal.

Mexico 2 — 0 Canada

So that’s half time I headed into the tunnel before the whistle went to go over a couple of bits before I spoke to the boys. I decided to make two substitutions at half time, with the two left sided players coming off they both made a massive impact in the first half and that hasn’t got unnoticed in my books. So that mean’s Guardado is coming off and there was only one obvious player to come on and that was Carlos Vela the competitions top goalscorer! In place of left back Chavez it was a big challenge to see who I could replace him with as there wasn’t one left back on the bench who was solid but I came to a decision of moving central defender Moreno to the left back position where he feels he is unconvincing but that was enough for me! But I still had the challenge on who to bring on in replacement at centre back and I had two choices either Hugo Ayala or Julio Cesar Dominguez. I made my decision based on Ayala playing in this competition previously under me and I feel he is confident enough to do the job today.

Next came the team talk to a winning side of a Cup Final, there is many things to say to them but I said to them, You’ve got one hand on the cup already and I let my assistant do the rest of the talking! He said you may have one hand on that cup but it easier to loose total grip and become complacent and end up losing the game. So go out their and carry on what you was previously doing and I will assure you that you’ll be crowned the new Gold Cup winners! How does that sound ay?

Mexico kick off the second half, only 45 minutes till we are officially crown the champions! What a feeling!

With 65 minutes gone and no key moments happened just yet, one finally came and it was a Mexican corner not sure how we got it but we got it, With Jonathan Dos Santos lining up the corner putting it in place looking up looking for options he takes it. He hits it past the penalty shot and looks like it was going no where and was going to be a waste of time but no, Chicharito splits from the group of players and goes in pursuit of Dos Santos in what I’d say a over hit corner, Hernandez jumps and connects with the ball for a sweet header that looks from my angle it is going over the bar but it dips and beat’s Canadian striker Bunbury and All-Shalibani who desperately dives to make the save but the ball manages to hit the inside of the post and go into the back of the net! That’s two for Hernandez and 3 — 0 for Mexico!

Mexico 3 — 0 Canada

That’s it, the final whistle is blown and that whistle is music to the Mexican fans! I get up go shake Canadian manager Jason Bent we spend around a minute talking before Bent heads to his players laying all over the pitch in despair while I run over to the boys and join in the celebration! A couple of signed shirts by the Hernandez and Co. was thrown into the crowd and the celebration continued! Soon enough the presentation was ready and we went to collect are winners medals and the Gold Cup!

Back in the dressing room I sat everyone down and had a quick word with them saying congratulations to each and every player and staff who I couldn’t of done it without! I was thinking to myself do I leave Mexico when I was on top or before something happens and get the sack? I didn’t no weather this was good bye or I’ll see you next time it was hard but I did tell the boys it was a 50/50 decision and you’ll find out soon enough! You will find out before the press does and even the Mexican F.A!

The Match Report —

Mexico 3 – 0 Canada (Gold Cup Final)

On a fine summer’s evening at New Meadowlands Stadium, Mexico’s Efrain Juarez lived the dream of many a supporter as he lifted the Gold Cup after Mexico’s convincing 3 – 0 North American Gold Cup Final victory over Canada. A brace from Javier Hernandez helped Mexico to victory.

Striker Javier Hernandez got Mexico off to a flyer by scoring a real poacher’s effort after just one minute. An error from Canada’s All-Shalibani allowed Erick Torres to score a finish executed with aplomb. Then followed controversy were denied claims by midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos for a penalty.

Experienced goalkeeper Haidar All-Shalibani then summed up his team’s performance by nearly gifting Mexico another goal on 54 minutes. There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 66 minutes as that man Hernandez popped up again with a header.

I give you the highlights from the Gold Cup final where Mexico took on Canada on what was a thrilling game. The highlights are available to you in HD 1080p so don’t hesitate to choose it, does make it a lot better.

Next up is the Award winners of the Gold Cup, they have gave out the Golden Boot, Best Player, Goal of the tournament and finally the dream team. I am guessing that your thinking what didn’t your player win well I’ll show you!

First up was the Golden boot; Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez and Jozy Altidore  all finished on 5 goals in the tournament but there can only be one winner. That man was Carlos Vela he managed to pick up this award based on Vela appearing in less games than Hernandez and Altidore who both played 6 games in total in the tournament.

So that’s Mexico 2 — 1 Everyone (From the Gold Cup)

So next up was the best player award, as always there is 1st 2nd and 3rd, the three players who got placed in one of these were Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez and Taufic Guarch like I said before there can only be on winner and that was Javier Hernandez who finished the tournament on a rating of 7.97. Second place was Taufic Guarch who managed to get a rating of 7.83 and finally Carlos Vela who got a average rating of 7.46.

After that it makes the scores Mexico 5 — 1 Everyone (From the Gold Cup)

The next award was Goal of the Tournament like normal there it is placed from 1 to 3 and well no Mexican players was able to get into the top three but Jozy Altidore picked up the award after scoring against Cuba. Second place was awarded to Julio Mitre of Panama when he scored against Honduras, and lastly Junior Hoilett of Canada picked up 3rd when he scored against Costa Rica.

Last of all is the dream team of the Gold Cup, with eleven spots available for this and let’s just say Mexico dominated this team! With 10 players making the squad, yes that’s only one player we didn’t manage to get but it was a well deserved place to Ben Arujo from U.S.A he played 6 and managed to find the net  times with a average rating of 7.47.

Well that’s a wrap for this post 4282 words later (Still Counting) I still haven’t managed to make a decision so this is where you get involved you shall decide my fate!

A — Resign as the manager of Mexico.

B — Stay with Mexico and attempt to get them qualified for the World Cup.

C — Retire from Football.

So guys get your thinking caps on and make a wise decision for me! As you are my back room staff.

Two more things;

1 — I’d like everyone to take some time and go over to the forum to have a read of «From The Terrace To The Top»

https://footballmanagerstory.com/forum/index.php?topic=405.0

So everyone I seriously do recommend this to you it’s one hell of a read!

2 — As a few people already know I am writing a side story to this post and it’s called Fulham Football Club.

With a couple of people giving feedback such as «Excessive» saying;

«Jon has captured the essence of Fulham Football Club well, and as a supporter himself, the writing is enthusiastic and detailed. Good read, and well laid out. I’m sure they will be in the Champions League in no time «

Also a Football Manager veteran «Kevin Mayo» saying;

«I really like what you have done here. The writing is the best I’ve seen so far and you can tell that you are a passionate Fulham supporter. You should go with this as your main story as soon as possible as it speaks potential. Well done!»

So as you can see I personally think it has got potential and so do others so if you would like to have a read or just to try it to see if it’s your taste please leave your E-mail below and I’ll send it to you as soon as I can and I urge you to do so as the number two shall be coming out shortly!

Okay that’s it I’ve kept you long enough, all I can really say is Thank you for all your support and criticism it’s how I’ve got to were I am now so once again Thank you.

Leave your interesting and creative responsive in the comment section below.

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