Gold Cup Best XI Announced

Ahead of tomorrow’s eagerly anticipated finale between the United States and Mexico, CONCACAF has announced the 2007 Gold Cup All-Tournament Team. Representing the United States are defender Frankie Hejduk and midfielder Pablo Mastroeni.
Hejduk, 32, scored the opening goal in the Nats’ 2-1 victory over Canada on Thursday. It was the southern California native’s first goal since 2000 and helped punch the U.S. ticket into the finals. Unfortunately, they will be without the Columbus Crew star’s services for Sunday’s final after Hejduk received his second yellow card in a two-game span, forcing him to sit out.Mastroeni, 30, was an intimidating force in the U.S. midfield, breaking up opponents’ attacks at will. The Colorado Rapids captain made the Best XI list despite missing the first two games of the tournament while he served the remainder of a suspension stemming from his red card against Italy in the 2006 World Cup.

Receiving honorable mentions from the U.S. squad were midfielder DaMarcus Beasley and forward Landon Donovan.


Here’s the full squad:

Goalkeeper:
Franck Grandel (GLP)

Defenders:
Felipe Baloy (PAN), Richard Hastings (CAN), Frankie Hejduk (USA), Carlos Salcido (MEX)

Midfielders:
Walter Centeno (CRC), Julian DeGuzman (CAN), Pablo Mastroeni (USA), Pavel Pardo (MEX)

Attackers:
Carlos Pavon (HON), Blas Perez (PAN)