Published 7/11/2011 12:16:29 PM by William Montero from soccermogul

Well it has been quite a summer so far for Mexico soccer.  First they run through the 2011 Gold Cup ravaging all comers and taking out arch rivals the United States 4-2 in the Final.  Then the Mexico Under 17s take the FIFA U17 World Cup on home soil defeating Uruguay 2-0 in front of 100,000 screaming fans at famed Azteca.

The month of June brought us the 2011 Gold Cup where Mexico fielded a hugely talented squad led by Chicharito, Giovani Dos Santos, Pablo Barrera and Guardado.  Mexico opened in grand style as they blasted El Salvador in front of a monster crowd at Dallas Cowboys Stadium.  They ran through group play unbeaten with a ridiculous 14-1 differential.  The knockout rounds got predictably tougher but the flowing and relentless attack would prevail as they knocked off Guatemala and Honduras on their way to the Gold Cup Final.

The Final brought arch rivals the USA which has gotten the better of Mexico over the last decade.  It looked like the same old script as the Americans jumped out to a shock 2-0 lead.  Mexico would not go quietly though as Pablo Barrera and Giovani Dos Santos pulled Mexico back.  In the end Mexico would prevail 4-2 in grand fashion at the sold out Rose Bowl.  With the Gold Cup win comes an invitation to the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.  

After the Gold Cup came the FIFA Under 17 World Cup which was hosted by Mexico.  A very talented squad playing on home soil made Mexico an instant favorite and they certainly did not disappoint.  The youngsters had the same attacking flair that the Giovani Dos Santos led older squad exhibited and the U17s simply overwhelmed their competition at the tournament.

The big test would come in the semifinals as Mexico faced off against the powerful side from Germany that had been stomping all comers.  Mexico scored first to the delight of the home crowd, but Germany wrested control and led 2-1 into the final minutes.  A dramatic late rally capped off by a ridiculous bicycle kick winner would pull Mexico to the final with a 3-2 win.

The final was at the famed Azteca as over 100,000 fans packed in to support their side against Uruguay.  Mexico were on the front foot all night as they continued their attacking ways.  A first half goal from Briseno would be enough and the 2-0 win was capped off in injury time by Giovani Casillas as Mexico claimed the FIFA U17 World Cup.

A summer beyond all expectations for Mexico soccer.  A Gold Cup title and a U17 World Cup title both won in grand fashion.  The future certainly is bright as the full squad is young and dynamic and with talented Under 17s coming Mexico might finally take a place in the world elite over the coming decade.

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