The symmetry would not have been lost on any of them: the United States and Canada, two of the world’s best women’s soccer teams, meeting on a sweltering night and chasing a prize only one of them could win.
A tight match. A late penalty kick. A jubilant celebration.
A year ago at the Tokyo Olympics, it was the Canadians who rejoiced, converting a second-half penalty and winning the match on their way to the gold medal.
On Monday night in Monterrey, Mexico, it was the Americans who were dancing at the final whistle.