SOCCER / GOLD CUP : Mexico Offers a Bonus for Beating U.S.
Pride and money are at stake in today’s CONCACAF Gold Cup final, pitting the U.S. national soccer team against Mexico. The game will be played in the heat, altitude and smog of cavernous Azteca Stadium. More than 120,000 fans are expected.
The United States is the regional champion, having upset Mexico on the way to the title in 1991. The Gold Cup championship carries a certain prestige, but other factors are motivating each team.
The CONCACAF champion earns the right to play in the Intercontinental Cup in Saudi Arabia. Generous financial guarantees are awarded participating nations, and the team that wins the title can earn as much as $1 million.
The economic impact of a Gold Cup victory for the Mexican players is also significant. Each would earn a $20,000 bonus for beating the United States.
Mexico, 3-0-1 in the Gold Cup, has been playing well and has scored 24 goals in the tournament.
The U.S. team has been bolstered by a handful of European-based players, but even with dozens of chances, the team has failed to score many goals. Still, the U.S. team is 4-0.
