Data drop: Everything you need to know about the Gold Cup final
The CONCACAF Gold Cup final is almost upon us, with Panama and Mexico set to play out a tantalising clash in California.
El Tri are the competition’s most successful side, boasting a record eight titles, while Los Canaleros have reached this stage only twice before – and have never lifted the trophy.
Ahead of Sunday’s showpiece event at SoFi Stadium, we’ve used the Twenty3 Toolbox to find out everything you need to know about the two sides.
Magical Mexico
Mexico’s run to the Gold Cup final has been characterised by their irrepressible attacking intent.
No side has attempted more attacking actions (72.4) or made more progressive runs (23) per 90 in the competition, with Orbelin Pineda leading the charge in the latter department, recording a tournament-leading 20 such runs from the left wing.
Their approach play has been purposeful and direct, with over half (51.53%) of their passing sequences ending in the final third – the highest rate at the Gold Cup.
And once they reach that area of the pitch, El Tri boast the quality to carve their opponents apart.
Midfielder Luis Chavez has assisted 12 shots, while left-back Jesus Gallardo has recorded an xA of 2.19 – totals no player in the competition can better.
Patient Panama
Panama, meanwhile, build very differently to their illustrious upcoming opponents.
Under Thomas Christiansen, Los Canaleros are a refined, patient outfit who thrive in possession.
They top the charts at the Gold Cup, per 90, for passes completed (516.8), backward passes completed (89.4), long passes completed (32.4), passes per possession (5.94), average possession duration (27.7 seconds) and sequences of 10 or more passes (15.8).
Yoel Barcenas’ intelligent use of the ball has helped Los Canaleros achieve this, completing 74 backward passes – more than any other player – and regularly choosing to recycle possession rather than force a move that is likely to result in a turnover.
However, it is centre-back Fidel Escobar who is truly fundamental to their style on the ball.
He has been the competition’s standout ball-playing defender, completing 344 passes and 33 long passes, as well as receiving 312 passes – all tournament-leading totals.
Competing for control
Given their devotion to slow and patient build-up play, it should come as no surprise that Panama are exceptionally secure in possession, frequently looking to control games with the ball.
They boast the tournament’s highest passing accuracy (87.27%) and average just 1.4 dangerous ball losses in their own half per match – the lowest rate in the competition.
Mexico will certainly not let them have it all their own way, however.
El Tri have limited their opponents to just 3.06 passes per possession and 18.42 seconds per possession on average – the lowest totals at the Gold Cup and significantly less than Los Canaleros have been recording thus far.
Their defensive strength is further underpinned by the fact that they have conceded just 0.51 xG per game and faced only 1.6 non-penalty shots on target on average.
As a result, evergreen goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, 38, boasts a tournament-high three clean sheets – he will be keen to make it four in the final as his team-mates look to prevent Panama from settling into their usual rhythm.
Panama’s pressing
In much the same way, Panama will aim to unsettle a Mexico side who have averaged a greater share of possession than any other team at the Gold Cup (57.84%).
It is an impressive feat, considering El Tri’s directness in attack – a testament to the effectiveness of their work off the ball.
Los Canaleros are also effective pressers, however, and have averaged 6.6 dangerous ball recoveries in the opposition half – more than any other side.
That can sometimes lead to some overzealousness, though, as evidenced by defensive midfielder Anibal Godoy collecting the joint-most yellow cards at the tournament (three).
Getting ahead
For all their intricate approach play, it may come as a surprise to learn that Panama lead the Gold Cup for headed shots per 90 (3.6).
Their clever passing through the thirds regularly culminates in a wide player – usually Erick Davis, who has attempted (29) and completed (12) the most crosses at the tournament – picking out a team-mate in the box.
Mexico are by no means averse to the aerial route, either. Their direct running often forces opposition defenders to simply put the ball behind and out of play – which is reflected by their competition-high average of 6.6 corners per game.
These two sides are set to contest a fascinating final – Panama will rely on their technical prowess, while Mexico boast firm foundations, dynamic attacking play and the benefit of experience.
All visualisations and Smart Reports in this article were produced with the Twenty3 Toolbox. For more information, please get in touch below.