Jamaica became the Gold Cup underdog loved by everyone

By Morgan J. Wolf

Every once in a while the unexpected happens. It’s something beautiful that everyone loves about sports. The surprise factor never ceases to amaze us fans, and the Gold Cup semifinal match between Mexico and Jamaica in Pasadena provided a moment that will be remembered for years to come.

Going into the match, Mexico was heavily favored, mostly on the basis that they have a more accomplished history and also produce talent. However, this year’s Gold Cup squad from Mexico had one big weakness: inexperience. Virtually none of its members beyond goalkeepers José Corona and Moisés Muñoz had any international experience, which is a notorious problem because experience equates with the ability to handle pressure.

Meanwhile, Jamaica isn’t considered a great footballing nation. However, they have one major weapon which literally saved the Reggae Boys: goalkeeper and captain Andre Blake. He made numerous crucial saves, including a leg save that is being called the save of the tournament. He dove to his right, but the Mexican shot was deflected, which Blake was astoundingly able to deal with by kicking out his leg and lifting it, all while in the air going the opposite direction.

Jamaica finally found their breakthrough in the 88 ^th minute, when Kemar Lawrence put in a sublime free kick to score the match’s only goal. It was so beautiful that Corona stood rooted to the spot because the dip of the ball was picture-perfect.

And just like that, Jamaica beat Mexico to avenge their defeat in 2015 and move on to the 2017 final, where they will face the United States.

On paper, this looks like a match that the USMNT should win handily, but then again, Jamaica wasn’t supposed to beat Mexico either. And unlike in nature, lightning can always strike twice in the beautiful world of sports.