Mexico's new generation offer hope for World Cup impact

 
A young generation of talented players has offered the prospect of taking Mexico to another level as they seek a way to make a real impact at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil -- and they might just be on the way to delivering.
Several of this team have struggled with their European clubs but when they pull on the green shirt their quality shines as the U.S. discovered to their cost as they watched a two goal lead evaporate.
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has been the idol for the huge Mexican support in the United States but the man-of-the-match Saturday was Giovani dos Santos, who crowned an effervescent display with a goal of pure class - a perfect chip into the top corner, while dribbling away from goal.
"I was delighted with the goal, it really was a nice goal and I'm even happier that it helped the team win the championship," Dos Santos told reporters.
The 22-year-old has failed to make an impact with Tottenham Hotspur in England and has been loaned out to second tier Ipswich Town, Turkish club Galatasaray and Spain's Racing Santander.
But almost every time the son of a former Brazilian professional comes home to play for his country he shows why Barcelona saw enough promise in him to sign him up as an 11-year-old.
ROCK STARS
U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard, who endured a difficult night, was full of admiration for Dos Santos's skill and movement as he helped shred apart the U.S. defense.
"He does a great job. He pulls wide and isolates, then comes inside. It's hard to defend him and when you do he does his magic. They have dynamic players and they put us in a lot of situations we don't want to be in," he said.
Pablo Barrera, who crowned an excellent tournament with two goals in the final, is another who has struggled in England having made little impact for West Ham United as they were relegated last season.
Hernandez, who scored 20 goals in all competitions in his debut season in England is a different matter however.
"El Chicharito', who was the Gold Cup's top scorer with seven goals, didn't find the target in the final but offered some insight into what appears a refreshing team ethos for a side that has often been led by a dominant personality.
"Giovani and all the team really delivered. Sometimes people say that I am the idol or the hero but in this team there really aren't any heroes or rock stars, there are only 20 players who want to do their best," he said.
Mexico head coach Jose Manuel de la Torre has had a serious expression on his face throughout a tournament where Mexico had to deal with losing five of their squad after failing pre-competition doping tests.
"There is no better moment than victory - everything else is in the past. What happened helped us become stronger as a team, we had to focus and we faced up to the challenges.
"It's all about results but when you get a victory you have to enjoy it. This was a complicated tournament for us but we are enjoying the moment now," he said.

Jozy Altidore leads U.S. to opening Gold Cup win over Canada

After suffering a 4-0 defeat at home to Spain in a friendly on Saturday, U.S. coach Bob Bradley reverted to his tried and tested formula and it delivered the kind of solid display his team have become noted for.
German-born Jermaine Jones and Bradley's son Michael were impressive in the center of midfield while in attack Altidore, who continues to under-achieve at club level, delivered a much-needed reminder of his qualities.
Canada still have a chance to progress from Group C, which also features Panama and Guadeloupe, but were disappointing until the final stages when they finally tested U.S. keeper Tim Howard and his defense.
"We were predictable and moved the ball too slowly at times," said Canada head coach Stephen Hart.
"Too many players didn't want the responsibility of the ball but if we play like we did in the second half we will get results."
A crowd of 28,000 at the Detroit Lions' NFL stadium Ford Field saw the United States make a strong, determined start.
Altidore opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a smart shot on the turn that crept under the body of Canadian keeper Lars Hirschfeld, who will be disappointed he did not keep the ball out.
With Jones and Bradley taking charge, the United States were comfortably on top without creating many real chances.
The Americans extended their advantage in the 62nd minute when Altidore turned provider, bursting down the right flank and delivering a firm, low cross to the back post where Dempsey slid the ball in.
Canada finally came alive with substitute striker Ali Gerba twice bringing great saves out of U.S. keeper Howard, who had little to do in the opening 70 minutes.
Gerba broke free down right and struck a fierce shot which was expertly tipped over by Howard. Then the Everton keeper made a double save in the 85th -- first bravely at the feet of Joshua Simpson and then rising to parry another Gerba shot.
"I didn't think we did a good enough job of closing the game out, it is essential that improves," said coach Bradley.
The return to form of Altidore, who had not scored in a competitive international since September 2009 and managed just one strike all season with his Turkish club Bursaspor, was the biggest positive for Bradley.
"For confidence it was a good game for Jozy ... when you go through a stretch with your club team, not playing many games and not scoring goals, in terms of confidence this was very important."