This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2017/jul/26/usa-v-jamaica-gold-cup-final-live

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
USA v Jamaica: Gold Cup final – live! USA v Jamaica: Gold Cup final – live!
(35 minutes later)
4.47am BST
04:47
Scenes
Jordan Morris looks overcome as he contemplates his dramatic late winner. Jamaica’s players looking understandably distraught at the dramatic nature of the loss, when they’d done so well to put themselves back in touch with snatching the game themselves.
The stage is being set up for the trophy presentation now, as the US celebrate their sixth Gold Cup win. Jamaica still waiting for one. Final thoughts in a moment.
4.44am BST
04:44
FINAL SCORE: USA 2-1 JAMAICA
USA WIN THE GOLD CUP!
4.44am BST
04:44
90 mins+3: The US box crowded in these final seconds as the US try to see out the game. Zusi heads the ball clear, Altidore is fouled and that should be that...
4.42am BST
04:42
90 mins+2: Tim Howard given a yellow card for timewasting as he stalls on the goal kick.
Powell goes on a powerful desparate run forward, but McCarty recovers well to help Zusi crowd him out. We’ve had two of three added on minutes.
4.41am BST
04:41
90 mins: McCarty coming in to shore up the midfield in a minute, but not before Williams hooks a first time shot that was dipping dangerously even as it flashed past the top right corner of Howard’s goal. Nagbe off for McCarty now.
4.40am BST
04:40
GOAL! USA 2-1 JAMAICA (MORRIS!)
The ball’s been ricocheting around the Jamaica box a few times tonight, without ever breaking cleanly for the US, but this time, as a hopeful Zardes cross is headed clear, it deflects off Demspey and lands perfectly for Morris just beyond the spot. He hits the sweetest of first time shots through traffic and the US lead!
4.38am BST
04:38
86 mins: Chaos in the Jamaica box as Demsey runs up, scuffs his kick and inadvertently almost sets up a team mate. Morris can’t get turned to get a clean shot off and eventually as the US frantically try to turn the ball goalwards a foul is called and Jamaica breathe again.
Lambert comes on for Richie now, just in time for Gordon to send a free kick into the US box, where Lowe can’t get a clean header. Goal kick for the US. And a final Jamaican sub. Cory Burke comes on.
4.35am BST
04:35
84 mins: Stuart hedges writes, with the subject line, “Puto chants”
“In an American stadium. Seriously disgraceful and disappointing. They’ve been going on all match on Jamaican goal kicks, so it’s not like they haven’t had a chance to crack down on it. As an American football fan, I’m embarrassed and shamed. Pathetic display.”
Yep. Not big or clever.
Altidore checks inside in the left channel and is brought down. Dempsey picks up the ball — this is maybe 27 yards out left of center...
4.32am BST
04:32
82 mins: Another free kick from distance for the US has Bradley looking to float one deep. Headed clear by Watson.
US trying to press with quicker passes now, but finally Dempsey and Villafana can’t quite combine in the box and the play breaks down.
4.30am BST
04:30
80 mins: Heading in to the last ten minutes, and the pattern set. US stretching play out wide and Jamaica attacking at speed on the counter. One such attack ends now with Howard sprawling to block a MAttocks ball across goal — mattocks was called offside in the build-up but that looked a dodgy call. No doubt Jamaica are a real threat on the counter.
4.28am BST
04:28
78 mins: That was a great save from Miller by the way. He’s generally done very well since stepping in for Blake.
Now Zardes comes in to replace Arriola and is instantly involved in running at Jamaica from the right, but he can’t find Altidore with his square final pass.
4.27am BST
04:27
Dempsey hits the post!
It’s all up for grabs now! After that chance for Jamaica, Villafana sends a cross into the box from the left again and Dempsey rises to get a header down to Miller’s right, which the keeper just gets enough of a touch to to see it bounce back of the post. No record yet for Dempsey, and no break of the stalemate.
4.25am BST
04:25
74 mins: Fierce shot from edge of box by Morris, that’s tipped over the bar at full stretch>
Corner is not only wasted, it leads to a dangerous Jamaica counter that ends with Powell coming in to the near post looking for a flick home from a low driven cross, only for Zusi to somehow scramble it out for a corner!
4.22am BST
04:22
72 mins: So just a reminder that unlike earlier rounds there is the possibility of extra-time before penalties tonight.
I get paid the same, in case you were wondering.
4.21am BST
04:21
70 mins: Zardes preparing to enter the game now, perhaps for Morris.
Fifth US corner as Zusi gets into the box and tries to cut the ball back from byline> Jamaica suddenly looking stretched for the first time. Bradley goes for an outswinger from the right this time and Gonzalez does well to get the flock goalwards almost on target, though in truth Bradley’s delivery had left him way too much to do.
4.19am BST
04:19
68 mins: Morris makes a powerful sprint down the left to outflank his defenders and cut the ball back just beyond the spot to where Arriola can’t quite get his feet set for a clean shot. Jamaica scrambling and grateful for a kind deflection.
But now they’re on backfoot again as Dempsey squeezes the ball across to Morris in space on the corner of the box, but his touch to the overlapping Villafana is just behind his team mate, who can’t get a clean touch. Definite increase in US tempo right now.
4.16am BST
04:16
66 mins: Corner for the US after Villafana’s cross is charged down by Powell. It’s taken short and eventually worked for a placed shot from Bradley that’s blocked for another corner.
Big cluster of US players crowd the near post and Bradley sends it there, only for it to be cleared by Powell for yet another corner. Again he powers a lovely inswinger towards the near post, but this time Miller is able to grab it.
4.14am BST
04:14
64 mins: Williams has a half chance wide in the box and he at least gets his shot on target, but Howard bats it down comfortably.
Villafana curls an outswinger to the back of the box, where Arriola gets up to get a head on goal, but there’s no power in it and Miller gathers it. USA definitely trying to do more from out wide in this half.
4.12am BST4.12am BST
04:1204:12
62 mins: Morris sends a dangerous cross to near post and Lowe apparently didn’t know his keeper was behind him as he heads the ball into the ari and behind him. Both he and Miller were grateful no US player had risked crashing the box there.62 mins: Morris sends a dangerous cross to near post and Lowe apparently didn’t know his keeper was behind him as he heads the ball into the ari and behind him. Both he and Miller were grateful no US player had risked crashing the box there.
Morris might get some joy on the left after a muted showing in the middle for the first part of this game. Jamaica look to be tiring, and there’ll be chances. Then again, the US are not exactly stretching them for pace right now.Morris might get some joy on the left after a muted showing in the middle for the first part of this game. Jamaica look to be tiring, and there’ll be chances. Then again, the US are not exactly stretching them for pace right now.
4.10am BST4.10am BST
04:1004:10
60 mins: Bradley scoops the free kick into the box looking for Gonzalez, who sends Lowe sprawling as he vies for the ball. The Jamaican goes down in some discomfort and play is stopped. He’s OK though. Richie got a yellow card for that foul on Nagbe by the way.60 mins: Bradley scoops the free kick into the box looking for Gonzalez, who sends Lowe sprawling as he vies for the ball. The Jamaican goes down in some discomfort and play is stopped. He’s OK though. Richie got a yellow card for that foul on Nagbe by the way.
Game is a little scrappy right now — for one thing the surface continues to give the players trouble, but we’re also at a stage when the coaches have to decide when and how they go for this.Game is a little scrappy right now — for one thing the surface continues to give the players trouble, but we’re also at a stage when the coaches have to decide when and how they go for this.
4.07am BST4.07am BST
04:0704:07
58 mins: Zusi tries to cut in from the right but Lawrence boots it clear and now the USA are relieved to see the flag go up on MAttocks as he steps behind the defense looking to pick up Powell’s pass.58 mins: Zusi tries to cut in from the right but Lawrence boots it clear and now the USA are relieved to see the flag go up on MAttocks as he steps behind the defense looking to pick up Powell’s pass.
UP the other end go the US, and Nagbe gets clattered again by Richie, and the US will have a free kick 40 yards out left of center...UP the other end go the US, and Nagbe gets clattered again by Richie, and the US will have a free kick 40 yards out left of center...
4.05am BST4.05am BST
04:0504:05
56 mins: So here comes Dempsey, and he’s coming on for Acosta, trying to unsettle the ordered Jamaican defnse. Morris goes out wide and Nagbe comes inside alongside Bradley — or realistically ahead of him, as Acosta was.56 mins: So here comes Dempsey, and he’s coming on for Acosta, trying to unsettle the ordered Jamaican defnse. Morris goes out wide and Nagbe comes inside alongside Bradley — or realistically ahead of him, as Acosta was.
4.04am BST4.04am BST
04:0404:04
54 mins: We thought Blake had left the stadium but he’s actually on the Jamaica bench with his hand heavily bandaged. He looks a little more cheerful after that goal.54 mins: We thought Blake had left the stadium but he’s actually on the Jamaica bench with his hand heavily bandaged. He looks a little more cheerful after that goal.
Just as the USA’s goal seemed perfectly timed, Jamaica’s goal came early enough in the second half that they hadn’t had to abandon their initial game plan of keeping things tight. Now the USA have to break them down all over again, which may explain Clint Dempsey warming up. Is the stage set for Deuce? USA need to reassert themselves. Jamaica understandably playing with confidence right now.Just as the USA’s goal seemed perfectly timed, Jamaica’s goal came early enough in the second half that they hadn’t had to abandon their initial game plan of keeping things tight. Now the USA have to break them down all over again, which may explain Clint Dempsey warming up. Is the stage set for Deuce? USA need to reassert themselves. Jamaica understandably playing with confidence right now.
4.01am BST4.01am BST
04:0104:01
GOAL! USA 1-1 JAMAICA (WATSON!)GOAL! USA 1-1 JAMAICA (WATSON!)
It was always the most likely way for Jamaica to score! Great free kick from Lawrence to the back post, and Morris loses JeVaughan Watson completely as he crashes in at an angle to hit a first time shot from the edge of the six yard box for an equalizer!It was always the most likely way for Jamaica to score! Great free kick from Lawrence to the back post, and Morris loses JeVaughan Watson completely as he crashes in at an angle to hit a first time shot from the edge of the six yard box for an equalizer!
3.59am BST3.59am BST
03:5903:59
50 mins: Altidore coming deep pretty regularly. On more than a few occasions he’s been picking up the ball and pushing it forward to Acosta runnning ahead of him, as they try to draw Jamaica out of their defensive shape.50 mins: Altidore coming deep pretty regularly. On more than a few occasions he’s been picking up the ball and pushing it forward to Acosta runnning ahead of him, as they try to draw Jamaica out of their defensive shape.
Another Bradley inswinging free kick briefly ahs Miller in trouble as he collides with his own defender, but Jamaica get the ball clear, and in fact go up the other to earn a corner, as Besler steps in to block a cross. Can they make it count?Another Bradley inswinging free kick briefly ahs Miller in trouble as he collides with his own defender, but Jamaica get the ball clear, and in fact go up the other to earn a corner, as Besler steps in to block a cross. Can they make it count?
3.57am BST3.57am BST
03:5703:57
48 mins: USA pick up where they left off. Moving the ball laterally, patiently looking for an opening. Jamaica still sitting back at the start of the half.48 mins: USA pick up where they left off. Moving the ball laterally, patiently looking for an opening. Jamaica still sitting back at the start of the half.
Andre Blake has left the stadium for x-rays by the way. Worrying for the young keeper.Andre Blake has left the stadium for x-rays by the way. Worrying for the young keeper.
3.55am BST3.55am BST
03:5503:55
Second half beginsSecond half begins
Peep! etc. USA kick off.Peep! etc. USA kick off.
3.50am BST3.50am BST
03:5003:50
Heartbreaking domestic tension on TwitterHeartbreaking domestic tension on Twitter
Hey @grahamparkerfc Hard to focus on this #USAvJAM match. My partner is loudly cheering for the Reggae Boys, "Beat those Dirty Yankees!"Hey @grahamparkerfc Hard to focus on this #USAvJAM match. My partner is loudly cheering for the Reggae Boys, "Beat those Dirty Yankees!"
Why can’t we just be nice? Bill follows up with a whole thread that conveys his love of the game and inability to listen during couples therapy...Why can’t we just be nice? Bill follows up with a whole thread that conveys his love of the game and inability to listen during couples therapy...
Sure enough, he’s back a minute later, with this:Sure enough, he’s back a minute later, with this:
Yep, you're right. It was sad to see Andre Blake be taken off. He has been the player of the tournament. #USAvJAM #GoldCup2017Yep, you're right. It was sad to see Andre Blake be taken off. He has been the player of the tournament. #USAvJAM #GoldCup2017
Which may be the equivalent of presenting his Jamaica-loving partner with garage forecourt flowers.Which may be the equivalent of presenting his Jamaica-loving partner with garage forecourt flowers.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.54am BSTat 3.54am BST
3.48am BST3.48am BST
03:4803:48
Half-time thoughts: So the stats will suggest that the most significant moment of the first half came with Jozy Altidore’s perfect free kick to open the scoring, just before half-time, but it may be that when we look back on this final we end up remembering the sad sight of Andre Blake trudging towards the locker room halfway through the half, after going off injured from a final that could have cemented his reputation.Half-time thoughts: So the stats will suggest that the most significant moment of the first half came with Jozy Altidore’s perfect free kick to open the scoring, just before half-time, but it may be that when we look back on this final we end up remembering the sad sight of Andre Blake trudging towards the locker room halfway through the half, after going off injured from a final that could have cemented his reputation.
As it was, when Altidore’s free kick zipped over the wall, it was Blake’s replacement, Dwayne Miller, who faced it, and as little chance as he had, there was maybe a little suspicion that he made his move slightly too late.As it was, when Altidore’s free kick zipped over the wall, it was Blake’s replacement, Dwayne Miller, who faced it, and as little chance as he had, there was maybe a little suspicion that he made his move slightly too late.
The move that made that decisive free kick was initiated by a run and pass inside by Nagbe by the way. His counterpart on the right, Paul Arriola, has generally looked the livelier presence, but in the end it’s Nagbe who made the more telling intervention.The move that made that decisive free kick was initiated by a run and pass inside by Nagbe by the way. His counterpart on the right, Paul Arriola, has generally looked the livelier presence, but in the end it’s Nagbe who made the more telling intervention.
As for Jamaica, they’ve had a couple of set pieces to try and pack the US box for, and Mattocks had a couple of runs where his speed up against Zusi’s relative defensive inexperience was a threat, but there’ve been no clear chances for them, and now they’re in a position where they have to chase the game, the USA will fancy their chances of opening them up again.As for Jamaica, they’ve had a couple of set pieces to try and pack the US box for, and Mattocks had a couple of runs where his speed up against Zusi’s relative defensive inexperience was a threat, but there’ve been no clear chances for them, and now they’re in a position where they have to chase the game, the USA will fancy their chances of opening them up again.
I’ll be back for the second half.I’ll be back for the second half.
3.41am BST3.41am BST
03:4103:41
Half-time: USA 1-0 JamaicaHalf-time: USA 1-0 Jamaica
Half-time thoughts in a minute.Half-time thoughts in a minute.
3.40am BST3.40am BST
03:4003:40
45 mins+4: Speaking of Blake, would he have stopped that free kick? I’m not sure — it was brilliantly taken by Altidore. But Blake’s been in brilliant form.45 mins+4: Speaking of Blake, would he have stopped that free kick? I’m not sure — it was brilliantly taken by Altidore. But Blake’s been in brilliant form.
Another free kick for the US now as Watson takes down Nagbe wide left. This one’s swung into Miller’s arms b Bradley without further danger. And that will be that for the half.Another free kick for the US now as Watson takes down Nagbe wide left. This one’s swung into Miller’s arms b Bradley without further danger. And that will be that for the half.
3.38am BST3.38am BST
03:3803:38
45 mins +2: Miller has to come out sharply to smother the ball with Morris lurking. Jamaica can’t afford to concede again in the four minutes that have been added on for the Blake injury.45 mins +2: Miller has to come out sharply to smother the ball with Morris lurking. Jamaica can’t afford to concede again in the four minutes that have been added on for the Blake injury.
3.37am BST3.37am BST
03:3703:37
GOAL! USA 1-0 JAMAICA (ALTIDORE!)GOAL! USA 1-0 JAMAICA (ALTIDORE!)
Beautiful, beautiful free kick up and over the wall by Jozy Altidore. Power placement, and swerve into the top right corner. Miller, waiting to guess the movement of the ball, made his step to save too late. USA lead just before half-time!Beautiful, beautiful free kick up and over the wall by Jozy Altidore. Power placement, and swerve into the top right corner. Miller, waiting to guess the movement of the ball, made his step to save too late. USA lead just before half-time!
3.35am BST3.35am BST
03:3503:35
44 mins: Another challenge for the US late in the half after Besler fouls Mattocks some 40 yards from goal. Lawrence clips the ball towards the back post but it was always too close to Howard.44 mins: Another challenge for the US late in the half after Besler fouls Mattocks some 40 yards from goal. Lawrence clips the ball towards the back post but it was always too close to Howard.
The goalkeeper instantly boots the ball long for Arriola, who controls brilliantly then tries to run through three Jamaican defenders only to lose it on the corner of the box. He wants a free kick but the referee is not interested.The goalkeeper instantly boots the ball long for Arriola, who controls brilliantly then tries to run through three Jamaican defenders only to lose it on the corner of the box. He wants a free kick but the referee is not interested.
THIS will be a free kick though. Bradley comes inside and is bundled over around 30 yards out...THIS will be a free kick though. Bradley comes inside and is bundled over around 30 yards out...
3.33am BST3.33am BST
03:3303:33
42 mins: Acosta gets his feet caught under him while trying to angle for a shot on the edge of the Jamaican box. The central midfielder is playing in a very advanced position, given that Bradley is sitting back and Jamaica are in such a defensive posture.42 mins: Acosta gets his feet caught under him while trying to angle for a shot on the edge of the Jamaican box. The central midfielder is playing in a very advanced position, given that Bradley is sitting back and Jamaica are in such a defensive posture.
Lovely touch from Altidore sends Nagbe haring in from the left, and he drops his shoulder to head into space before driving the ball back to where Arriola has just gone too soon with his run into the box. The chance is gone.Lovely touch from Altidore sends Nagbe haring in from the left, and he drops his shoulder to head into space before driving the ball back to where Arriola has just gone too soon with his run into the box. The chance is gone.
3.31am BST3.31am BST
03:3103:31
40 mins: Awkward couple of moments for the US as the corner goes deep and looks like it’s about to sit up for Watson to have a clear volley from ten yards, only for Morris to recover. With half-time approaching the US can’t let their concentration slip, while Jamaica would love to nick one now, after being on the defensive for the entire half.40 mins: Awkward couple of moments for the US as the corner goes deep and looks like it’s about to sit up for Watson to have a clear volley from ten yards, only for Morris to recover. With half-time approaching the US can’t let their concentration slip, while Jamaica would love to nick one now, after being on the defensive for the entire half.
3.29am BST3.29am BST
03:2903:29
38 mins: Acosta is in late on Richie and picks up a yellow card. Jamaica pack the box on the free kick, just over the halfway line. and as it comes in Howard goes for it, spills and then is relieved to hear the whistle for a foul.38 mins: Acosta is in late on Richie and picks up a yellow card. Jamaica pack the box on the free kick, just over the halfway line. and as it comes in Howard goes for it, spills and then is relieved to hear the whistle for a foul.
Lovely run from Darren Mattocks now as he arrows in from the left, twisting and turning into the left of the box at speed, before Gonzalez recovers enough to concede a corner at the edge of the six yard box.Lovely run from Darren Mattocks now as he arrows in from the left, twisting and turning into the left of the box at speed, before Gonzalez recovers enough to concede a corner at the edge of the six yard box.
3.27am BST
03:27
36 mins: That’s a decent deep cross from Villafana wide left, looking for Arriola, shaping up for a spectacular shot. It never reaches him, but the US will have a corner...which they waste. Watson, the first man, boots said corner out for a throw in, in distinctly unimpressed fashion.
Now a little pinball in the box, after Morris gets behind the right of the Jamaican defense, and cuts a ball back to Arriola on the edge of the box. When his deflected shot breaks for Morris again the flag goes up for offside.
3.24am BST
03:24
34 mins: Mattocks picks up a yellow card, for what I’m not quite sure. The game, which briefly picked up tempo after the break for Blake’s injury, has slowed down again.
3.23am BST
03:23
32 mins: Gordon gets the better of Villafana in an aerial duel then powers towards goal with Villafana in pursuit. The US defender recovers, just about, and Bradley steps in to help him out. Bradley’s not had a lot to do on the defensive side given Jamaica’s lack of attacking ambition, but he’s been neat when he’s had to be.
3.21am BST
03:21
30 mins: Villafana has to get a foot in to take the ball off Powell’s toes as the Jamaican player threaten to break free in the corner of the box. Game is a little more open now, which in theory should favor the US.
3.19am BST
03:19
28 mins: If anything Jamaica look momentarily more ambitious than they did before Blake’s injury, though as yet they’ve done nothing to threaten the US goal.
But now the US advance and a clever little flick from Acosta continues the move into the box, only for Altidore’s pass slid in behind to overstretch Villafana. And as it’s cut back Jamaica break. Arriola makes a tactical foul to end that particular threat, but both US hopes and vulnerabilities were on display in that particular sequence.
3.17am BST
03:17
26 mins: Free kick wide left for the US and Bradley curls it in to the crowded area to test Miller early. But the Jamaican substitute keeper comes out and claims confidently. That’ll help him settle.
3.15am BST
03:15
24 mins: From the restart Jamaica have a set piece in the US half which is floated to the back post. Not dealt with particularly elegantly by the US defense, but then Morris, back to defend is fouled, and the US can come clear.
3.15am BST
03:15
22 mins: Blake is limping off wincing and covering his face, with his hand heavily wrapped. Dwayne Miller is coming in for him.
Blake walking to the bench now, looking devastated.
3.12am BST
03:12
20 mins: Best chance of the game now. Morris gets flattened in a collision outside the box, and in the slight pause as players wait for the whistle, Altidore steps into space and batters a shot from distance that’s swerving wickedly. Blake makes a leaping acrobatic save to parry, changing direction in midair.
Unfortunately for Blake, Acosta is following in on the rebound and he catches Blake, who bravely tries to gather the rebound. And the young goalkeeper looks like he might not be able to continue. That’s really sad for perhaps the player of the tournament.
3.08am BST
03:08
18 mins: Nagbe finds himself with enough room to get off a shot from the left corner of the shot, and, as is his idiom, he goes for the spectacular. Unfortunately for him, it’s a spectacular slice that skews out closer to a throw-in than a goal kick. He’s scored them from there though.
USA 69% possession so far, by the way.
3.06am BST
03:06
16 mins: Poor touch from Acosta is intercepted by Fisher as the US try to build. And as Jamaica come forward, Arriola is caught again, and this time he’s down for longer. He’sback on his feet now, but keep an eye on him.
Meanwhile there’s a break in play and the players take advantage of it to stamp down a couple of alarming-looking divots that have popped up on the field.
3.04am BST
03:04
14 mins: Bradley tries an ambitious diagonal ball to pick out Arriola but it’s intercepted and Jamaica go up to the other end. And now Arriola becomes the latest US player to hit the deck under a Jamaican tackle as he rushes back to help the recovery effort.
Now Nagbe cuts in from the left and for a second there’s a postage stamp of space between the Jamaican lines which he looks to find Morris in. It doesn’t come off, but that’s positive from Nagbe.
3.02am BST
03:02
12 mins: More good work from Arriola as he combines with Zusi on the right before whipping a cross into the six yard box, which Taylor gets to first, under pressure from Altidore.
3.01am BST
03:01
10 mins: Arriola has been the most involved US player in this opening ten minutes. He’s harrying the opposing defenders and looking to play quick balls forward when he can.
Now JeVaughan Watson is being talked to by the referee after following through on a tackle on Jordan Morris and catching the US forward’s ankle.
2.58am BST
02:58
8 mins: Jamaica edge up the field a little now, but an offside sends them back into their shell in their own half. So far the game going as predicted, with Jamaica daring the US to break them down.
2.57am BST
02:57
6 mins: Williams goes in hard on Villafana and gets a stern look from the referee. Do not expect that to be the last kick of the night.
Nagbe goes on a little dart and looks for a return in space from Morris down the left, but the organized Jamaican defensive lines are anticipating passes well and the chance is quickly gone.
2.55am BST
02:55
4 mins: Arriola again — this time trying to find Altidore in the box, but he can’t quite find him in space. Positive start from him.
Meanwhile Twitter drops by with some trivia provocations
How many players are former NY RB/metrostars?
Lawrence, Howard, Bradley, Altidore at least...
2.53am BST
02:53
2 mins: US quickly regain possession and start their pretty passing patterns. They’ll probably see a lot of the ball tonight.
A long passing sequence ends with Ariiola flicking the ball forward to the edgeof the box where for a second Nagbe looks to have dug out space for a shot. But he’s closed down before he can get a clean strike.
2.51am BST
02:51
Kickoff:
PEEP! We’re off...Jamaica kick off.
Let’s hope this is better than the last game at this stadium by the way...
2.45am BST
02:45
Teams coming out of tunnel:
I’m going to sing the livebloggers anthem, pray to the gods of spellcheck, and huddle in a circle with myself. Kickoff next...
Though before that, it’s worth mentioning that Gianni Infantino, winner of FIFA’s Game of Buffets, is in the house tonight.
2.43am BST
02:43
Darlington Nagbe:
Darlington Nagbe has emerged as a starter in this tournament. Neat on the ball, capable of retaining possession and drawing fouls in and around the box, Nagbe, nonetheless has always represented something of a headache for both his club and now national team coach. His reluctance to take on players he’s manifestly capable of beating can be infuriating, and it can make him look like a diffident presence in the center of the field, which is why his Portland Timbers coach Caleb Porter historically used to hedge his bets by playing Nagbe out wide, in hope, more than expectation that he would choose to influence games.
No coincidence that when Porter finally bit the bullet and moved Nagbe inside, the Timbers won their first MLS Cup. Now Bruce Arena has to encourage him to play to the peak of his abilities for the USA on a regular basis. This is a big game for him
Updated
at 2.48am BST
2.34am BST
02:34
A short essay on aesthetics
The USA’s kit — discuss. Personally, I kind of miss the Where’s Waldo outfit.
The teams have been warming up for the last few minutes. Now they are heading back to the locker rooms and we should be kicking off in 15 minutes or so.
Updated
at 2.34am BST
2.27am BST
02:27
Deuce:
So obviously no Dempsey starting tonight, but don’t forget that if we see him at some stage tonight (and we surely will) there’s the small matter of him having the chance to break the all-time US goalscoring record he now shares with Landon Donovan.
He’s an enigmatic figure, is Deuce — both in terms of his persona and his most effective position, but the semi-final cameo against Costa Rica was a sharp reminder of his worth.
2.24am BST
02:24
More on Blake:
Blake was a number one draft pick for Philadelphia and has since become the undisputed number one for the Union. He’s hardly gone under the radar, but even by those standards this has been a breakout tournament for the Jamaican goalkeeper, with three shutouts and 19 saves to his name. He’ll be busy again tonight, but the confidence he’s given his team has been immeasurable.
2.17am BST
02:17
How to enter a stadium:
Jamaica looks pretty, pretty loose heading into the #GoldCup2017 final. (🎥: @GoldCup) pic.twitter.com/7OHo35wkgn
This is so much better than listening to literally nothing on your headphones in order to avoid signing an 8 year old’s backpack.
2.12am BST
02:12
Team news:
This is it! We want the cup! Meet your starting XI for the #GoldCup2017 Final.Lineup notes: https://t.co/Uj2KthadbZ pic.twitter.com/iN9rlrpXqN
So, for the US the exact same line up as the semi-final win over Costa Rica. And five of the same players who started the 1-0 victory over Jamaica in March — including the goalscorer in that game, Jordan Morris.
Jamaica's starting 11 vs USA: Andre BlakeJermaine TaylorDamion LoweLadale RichieAlvas PowellKemar... https://t.co/4YjgQSCy66
Lawrence is not the only MLS player on show for Jamaica. Goalkeeper andre Blake has been one of the best players of the tournament, while on secondment from his club team Philadelphia Union. He’s another key to tonight, as is the speed of Darren Mattocks of the Portland Timbers, up front.
Updated
at 2.13am BST
2.06am BST
02:06
Jamaica
When New York Red Bulls defender Kemar Lawrence sent that free kick into the Mexican net late in the other night’s game, it was a shock to Mexico for sure, though perhaps not the shock it might have been in other tournaments. Mexico have been playing without suspended coach Juan Carlos Osorio throughout the tournament, and essentially their priority this summer has been the planning for the Confederations Cup. The tournament has been a chance to run out some younger players and prospects, but frankly they’ve not needed this tournament as much as the US and Jamaica do this time round.
Jamaica really needed a good tournament to get themselves back on track, and had played with the kind of tough, defensive discipline always likely to keep them in a tight game — and that was the story of their performance against Mexico and is likely to be the plan for tonight. Expect a lot of physicality, a lot of bunkering defense, and a challenge to the US to break them down — the subplot of whether Jamaica can handle Clint Dempsey’s late introduction to the US attack may be the key to this game if it’s still scoreless at half-time.
Of course this is Jamaica’s second successive Gold Cup final, but were they to win tonight this would be their first Gold Cup. And they certainly seem happy to be here...
This is how it feels going back to the final! Congrats #ReggaeBoyz! @ItsTheJFF #GoldCup2017 pic.twitter.com/VRFzF1RQiu
1.57am BST
01:57
USA
OK, so it’s been a fairly typical Gold Cup tournament for the USA, in that they’ve made the final by overcoming robust rather than truly testing opposition in the knockout rounds, and given competitive minutes to fringe players in the group stage.
(and they didn’t get knocked out in the semi-finals)
And in the process they’ve made one or two discoveries about themselves that might prove useful over the coming year. Dom Dwyer managed to do his case as a possible fourth striker no harm by scoring in both his first two international games during the group stages, while Clint Dempsey (remember him?) also offered a glimpse of what his role in Russia might be, assuming the US get there, by coming on as a substitute against Costa Rica, and animating the team around him.
Elsewhere there were cameo appearances by Dax McCarty, Kelyn Rowe, and Eric Lichaj that might move them a little higher up the “possibles” list, but as is usual in these affairs, by the time we got to the knockout round, the coach was drafting in a heap of “probables” to try and make sure the trophy gets won. Michael Bradley, in particular, has been a difference maker to the shape and drive of the team, and in Arena, at least he has a coach who will play him in a position where he has a chance to succeed.
1.45am BST
01:45
Preamble
Evening all. Welcome to the Gold Cup final. USA vs Jamaica at Levi’s Stadium, California.
Fans of this tournament with long memories (or in fact not that long memories given this tournament is played every two years, but feels like every two weeks) will know that this match up is a repeat of the semi-final last time round, when Jamaica knocked out both the US and a big chunk of Jürgen Klinsmann’s credibility as coach.
More on the knock-on effects of that particular local disaster in a bit, but since then, well, a lot has happened. Jamaica went on to lose in the final against Mexico, then continued on to make rather a mess of their World Cup qualifying campaign. So, like the US, they came into this tournament with a point to prove. And as beaten semi-finalists, Mexico, might ruefully testify, they’ve been proving it.
The US meanwhile, went on from that Gold Cup loss to completely wreck Klinsmann’s anticipated tournament schedule for this World Cup cycle, with early eliminations from the Olympics and then losing out on a Confederations Cup spot, and then eliminating Klinsmann himself from his post as head coach and technical director.
In came Bruce Arena, an unbeaten record, a World Cup qualifying campaign that’s back on course, and tonight, the chance for a first trophy in Arena’s second coming.
We’ll see how it works out shortly, but for now get your emails coming in to graham.parker@theguardian.com, or tweet @grahamparkerfc with your thoughts, predictions, alternative historical accounts of Landon Donovan’s 2014 World Cup performances, and I’ll be back in a bit with team news and more build up.
5.30pm BST
17:30
Graham will be here shortly. While you wait, here’s Graham on Clint Dempsey’s continuing importance to the USMNT:
Clint Dempsey’s star turn against Costa Rica in the Gold Cup semi-final did more than win his team the game and help the striker match the US goalscoring record — it may have extended his meaningful international career by another season.
There was a danger that by the time the Russia World Cup came around, Dempsey would represent the kind of selection headache for Bruce Arena that Landon Donovan became for Jürgen Klinsmann in 2014 — no longer a player a coach could build a team around, and potentially as much of a distraction as an asset on the sidelines.
Klinsmann needlessly expended a lot of personal capital in leaving Donovan at home, and the pragmatic Arena is likely to take the trusted quantity of Dempsey to the World Cup. But perhaps until this Saturday’s game there was still a hint that sentiment would be playing a part as much as technical value. It didn’t help that the rapid emergence of Christian Pulisic as the star playmaker for the team, had crowded the area of the field where Dempsey thrives.
Click here for the rest of the article: