Even with a squad depleted due to a doping dust-up, Mexico believe they have what it takes to retain the CONCACAF Gold Cup crown. Mexico were rocked early in the regional football championship, when five players were pulled from the squad by national federation officials because of positive tests for banned clenbuterol during a training camp near Mexico City in May. So far a decision on whether the players can be replaced has yet to be made as an investigation continues into how they ingested the drug. But that didn’t stop Mexico winning the remaining two of their three first-round matches to emerge unbeaten atop Group A in the regional championship for North and Central America and the Caribbean. They won their three group matches by a combined score of 14-1, their 14 goals twice the number scored by any other team in the tournament.
