Major tournaments in the U.S., including the Gold Cup and Club World Cup, are ramping up with exciting knockout stage matches. Here`s a look at the latest developments as the summer of soccer rolls on.
USMNT Survive in Penalty Shootout Win
The U.S. Men`s National Team secured their spot in the Gold Cup semifinals following a dramatic 2-2 draw against Costa Rica that was ultimately decided by a 4-3 penalty shootout victory on Sunday. The match began poorly for the U.S. when Costa Rica took an early 1-0 lead from a penalty conceded in the 11th minute. Despite this setback, a dynamic USMNT created numerous scoring opportunities in the first half. Although Malik Tillman missed a penalty in the 37th minute, Diego Luna netted an equalizer in the 41st minute, a deserved reward for their offensive efforts. Max Arfsten then put the U.S. ahead in the 49th minute. However, the Americans eased off the pressure, paying the price when Alonso Martinez equalized for Costa Rica in the 71st minute, sending the game to penalty kicks.
In the shootout, which went to six rounds, goalkeeper Matt Freese emerged as the hero, making three crucial saves. Damion Downs scored the winning penalty to send the USMNT through to the next stage. This was a standout moment for Freese, who has become the unlikely starting goalkeeper in a tournament where coach Mauricio Pochettino is exploring the player pool. While minutes might have gone to other keepers, injuries positioned Freese as the backup to Matt Turner, and despite some inconsistencies, the 26-year-old proved his mettle in the shootout. Freese highlighted his experience in MLS Next Pro, where ties are decided by penalties, stating he now has a strong record in shootouts from his youth and senior career.
- Freese commented on his preparation: `Penalties are my thing. [On] the plane ride over here to Minnesota. I was studying the penalties. I`ve been studying them all week and was ready for it if we needed it…`
Freese is the latest USMNT player to make a name for himself during a Gold Cup run offering significant opportunities to less experienced players, joining Malik Tillman. Luna, a player Pochettino favors for his competitive spirit, combined his drive with a vital goal against Costa Rica, while Arfsten contributed significantly to the USMNT`s energetic start despite his earlier penalty concession.
Heavyweights Take Charge at Club World Cup
The knockout rounds of the Club World Cup have commenced, and the dominant forces, particularly European clubs, appear to be rising to the top. The initial field featured a diverse collection of teams, but as the knockout matches unfold, the favorites are largely prevailing, suggesting a potential tilt towards European dominance in the later stages.
Some results were anticipated, such as Paris Saint-Germain`s convincing 4-0 victory over Inter Miami on Sunday. Lionel Messi had limited impact as the last MLS team in the competition was outmatched by the UEFA Champions League winners, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges faced when a single player, even of Messi`s caliber, carries too much burden in a team sport, as observed by James Benge.
- Benge wrote: `Inter Miami felt like a Lionel Messi team, just not the ones you remember most fondly. Instead, they were redolent of those last few years at Barcelona when he was carrying too heavy an offensive load… catering for the great man has made for a team uniquely ill-suited to taking on the best teams in the world.`
Elsewhere, Chelsea defeated Benfica in extra time after a match affected by a weather delay, and Palmeiras triumphed over fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in an all-CONMEBOL encounter. Bayern Munich`s 4-2 win against Flamengo on Sunday further strengthens the possibility of a quarterfinal round heavily featuring European teams. Only one more remaining Round of 16 match pits a European side against a South American one (Inter vs. Fluminense), meaning Palmeiras could potentially be the sole South American representative in the last eight. The other upcoming matchups favor European teams: Real Madrid faces Juventus, Manchester City is favored against Al-Hilal, and Borussia Dortmund holds the advantage against Monterrey.
This developing trend suggests an outcome that might lack surprises and the international variety that brought appeal to the earlier stages of the tournament.
Top Stories
- USWNT secured another 4-0 victory against Ireland, demonstrating the team`s depth.
- Canada was eliminated from the Gold Cup by Guatemala in a penalty shootout; Guatemala reaches the semifinals for the first time since 1996.
- Palmeiras` statement win over Botafogo in the Club World Cup positions them as potentially the last South American team remaining.
- USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino denied reports he interviewed for the Brentford job vacancy.
- Gerard Pique discussed the Kings League, describing it as a `parallel` soccer ecosystem that can coexist with the traditional game.
- Lazio evicted the falconer previously fired for posting inappropriate photos; he had been squatting at the club`s training ground.
Best Bets
Club World Cup Pick: With key players` availability uncertain, Gonzalo Garcia has stepped up for Real Madrid. The 21-year-old has scored two goals in three games at the Club World Cup, including the first under new manager Xabi Alonso, seizing his opportunities as the team evolves. Expect Garcia to be impactful against Juventus. Consider betting on Gonzalo Garcia to score (+160).
Dominic Ashworth