CONCACAF Preliminary Gold Cup Final

The following article provides an oversight for matches and tournaments taking place in 2020.

CONCACAF Preliminary Gold Cup Final

 

October 10, 2020

Cuba v Dominican Republic

 

Cuba made one change at left midfield, while the Dominican Republic kept the same line up in the rematch of their group game, where a scoreless draw ensued.

 

The first half hour was played in the middle of the park as both sides struggled to advance beyond the defence.

 

The Dominican Republic had the first chances, with Manny Rodríguez’s shot saved, before Ronaldo Vásquez followed up the parry only to miss to the right of goal.

 

Wilman Modesta took a free kick in the 39th minute that just missed over the crossbar, but it was the combination of Vásquez and Carlos Heredia that opened the scoring. The latter had a shot saved, before the former managed to body the ball twice before it crossed the line and gave the Dominican Republic the edge in the Final.

 

Cuba went on the charge early, nearly scoring via Onel Hernández, who missed to the left of goal by margins.

 

Jean Rodríguez followed that up with a shot saved, and when Maykel Reyes came off the bench, he needed a block to stop his attempt. Defender Daniel Morejon had a ping when he was retreating after a failed corner, only to fire way over the mark.

 

Right at the death, Reyes led onto a through ball, only to have the Dominican Republic goalkeeper and Player of the Match, Rafael Diaz, keep it away from goal. Tired bodies after five tough matches meant little successful passes in great positions. From there, the Republicans held on for the crucial win and a chance to tackle the likes of USA, Mexico and Honduras in the final stage of the Gold Cup.