For 68 minutes, Guadeloupe showed that it belonged in a CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal game as it vigorously competed against heavily-favored Mexico Thursday night. But Pavel Pardo put an end to the compelling underdog story in the 69th minute, as his 30-yard shot cruised past two defenders and beat goalkeeper Franck Grandel high and inside the right post to give Mexico a 1-0 victory in front of 50,790 fans at Soldier Field.
Mexico will play the United States Sunday at 2 p.m. CST in Chicago for the Gold Cup title.
This was a match that many people would have suspected to have seen in group play rather than a possible stepping stone to a CONCACAF Gold Cup title.
After one half of play, the underdogs from the small French territory in the Caribbean showed that they belonged with the big boys of soccer.
Guadeloupe not only had the unenviable task of taking on its heavily-favored opponent, but also a boisterous pro-Mexican crowd. After the two teams settled down in the early going, Mexico registered three shots on goal on consecutive possessions.
In the 7th minute, El Tricolor attacker Jared Borgetti chipped a floater to midfielder Alberto Medina who promptly shot it toward the Guadeloupe goal. However, goalkeeper Franck Grandel was able to make the save, blocking it with his chest.
Mexico followed up with another shot on goal when attacker Cuauhtemoc Blanco set up Medina, only to see Grandel drop to his knees and scoop up the attempt in the 8th minute.
In the 10th minute, Blanco was awarded a free kick just outside of the penalty box. Facing a wall of defenders, Blanco was able to give Jose Jonny Magallon a header opportunity, but the Grandel was able to once again come through for Guadeloupe.
In the 22nd minute, Carlos Salcido had a great chance as he found himself one-on-one with Grandel on the left side inside the box. Salcido tried to beat the 'keeper but Grandel dove and ripped the ball away.
Salcido also recorded a shot on goal in the 26th minute, but his shot from 25 yards was again stopped by the Guadeloupe netminder as he dove to his right.
Tempers flared in the 27th minute, with Guadeloupe's Richard Edward Socrier being handed a yellow card for arguing following a foul.
Guadeloupe recorded just one shot on goal in the first half and that was an easy save for Mexican goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez in the 32nd minute.
After a free kick, Salcido tried a crossing pass, but it sailed over the goal and toward the other end of the field leaving Mexico without a goal after 37 minutes of play. Even with extended time, both teams were scoreless after the first half.
Mexico kept on the attack in the 54th minute, as Blanco lofted a fine crossing pass to second half sub Adolfo Bautista. Bautista headed it cleanly, but Grandel made the save.
Good things finally happened for Mexico in the 69th minute.
Mexico Technical Director Hugo Sanchez substituted Torrado for fellow midfielder Fernando Arce. Within seconds, Pardo found himself alone and had a clean look at the Guadeloupe goal from 30 yards out. Pardo placed his shot high and just inside the right post to give Mexico the lead and the eventual victory.
After scoring, Mexico turned off the jets and held Guadeloupe at bay.
Mexico was impressive defensively, outshooting its opponent 7-1 with Guadeloupe's lone shot coming in the first half. Grandel collected seven saves in a losing cause, while Sanchez corralled three for Mexico.
Timothy Hilton is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
