DALLAS, Texas – The last time that Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago squared off in the Concacaf Gold Cup, the two sides produced one of the most entertaining and dramatic matches in Gold Cup history.
In their group stage finale in the 2015 edition, El Tricolor and the Soca Warriors thrilled spectators with a 4-4 draw in which the lead changed hands three times and the teams combined for three goals in the final seven minutes, including the 4-4 equalizer for Trinidad and Tobago in the 90+3’.
Mexico MF Hector Herrera was a member of the Mexico squad that night and recalls the feeling of expecting a goal any time one of the teams mounted a scoring chance.
“I remember that night very well because it felt like a game that we had under control, but suddenly, with distractions and set pieces they did a lot damage to us. Then things happened as much for them as for us. I remember it was an intense game, back and forth. Any time they got forward there was a danger for a goal and the same for us, and that’s not the game we are hoping to have [on Saturday],” said Herrera in an exclusive interview with Concacaf.com.
In that 2015 game, Mexico led 2-0 in the second half before Trinidad and Tobago launched their comeback. The veteran midfielder was adamant that this time around Mexico cannot let themselves get involved into such an open affair.
“It’s going to be a tough game. Nowadays, there are no easy games. We have to be prepared to play our best game and start strong to make sure it’s a game we control and not one that becomes too back-and-forth, with goals coming from all over. In the end that’s not what we want to have happen,” said Herrera.
Trinidad and Tobago MF Neveal Hackshaw was not on the squad that played in that classic 2015 match, but he certainly remembers where he was when watching his countrymen trade punches with a Mexico side that would go on to claim that 2015 Gold Cup.
“I remember watching that game. I was in Canada for the Pan Am Games and we sat and watched it as a team. It was so exciting. It was unbelievable that we played that way and stamped our name and they respected us after that game,” said Hackshaw in an interview with Concacaf.com.
As for Saturday’s contest, the 25-year-old believes that with focus and determination, Trinidad and Tobago can produce another strong performance against El Tricolor.
“It’s going to be tough. As a team, we need to stay focused and expect anything to happen. If we stay focused and stick to the game plan, I think we can come out on top,” concluded Hackshaw.
