The intensity of major tournament knockouts is in full swing across the U.S. Both the Club World Cup and the Gold Cup have delivered exciting moments as teams battle for advancement.
The Forward Line
USMNT Survives Thrilling Penalty Shootout
The U.S. men`s national team secured their spot in the Gold Cup semifinals the hard way on Sunday, overcoming Costa Rica in a dramatic penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2.
Costa Rica took an early lead from a penalty converted by Francisco Calvo after Max Arfsten conceded the spot-kick in the 11th minute. Despite the setback and a missed penalty by Malik Tillman in the 37th minute, a determined USMNT pushed forward.
Diego Luna equalized in the 41st minute, a deserved reward for their first-half pressure, and Arfsten put the U.S. ahead early in the second half (49th minute). However, the U.S. couldn`t hold the lead, and Alonso Martinez leveled for Costa Rica in the 71st minute, sending the game to penalties.
In a tense six-round shootout, goalkeeper Matt Freese made three crucial saves, and Damion Downs scored the winning penalty to send the USMNT through.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese emerged as the unlikely hero. Initially an understudy, injuries provided him with the opportunity to start. Despite some mixed performances, the 26-year-old proved his mettle in the shootout.
Freese honed his penalty-saving skills in MLS Next Pro, where matches bypass extra time for immediate shootouts. He now boasts an impressive record of six wins in seven shootouts across his youth and senior career.
Matt Freese commented on his shootout success: “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, and the one that I didn`t move on [was a] suggestion from my goalkeeper coach Toni Jimenez.”
Freese joins other players, like Malik Tillman, who have used this Gold Cup, featuring many inexperienced players, as an opportunity to impress. Diego Luna, valued by coach Mauricio Pochettino for his competitive spirit, backed up his mentality with a vital goal. Max Arfsten, despite conceding the penalty, also played a significant role in the team`s energetic start.
Midfield Link
Club World Cup: Heavyweights Assert Dominance
The knockout rounds of the Club World Cup are now in progress. Four quarterfinal spots have been filled, with the remaining four to be decided shortly. The initial round of 16 featured a diverse set of teams, including representation from outside Europe and South America.
However, as the knockouts unfold, the traditional favorites appear to be gaining control, hinting at a potential European dominance in the later stages.
Some results have been predictable, such as Paris Saint-Germain`s decisive 4-0 victory over Inter Miami on Sunday. Lionel Messi had limited impact as the last remaining MLS side was overwhelmed by the UEFA Champions League winners. This match served as a reminder of the challenges faced when excessive responsibility falls on one player in a team sport.
According to James Benge, “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, the weird PSG sojourn where all the attacking talent was on his side but the other team were playing as a unit. Whatever the value Messi has brought to the American footballing project — and indeed to Inter Miami`s results in his time with the club — it is fair to note that catering for the great man has made for a team uniquely ill-suited to taking on the best teams in the world. Rather than surround Messi with the legs to do his running for him, the club hierarchy afforded the Argentine a chance to reunited with his 30-something mates.”
In other Round of 16 matches, Chelsea defeated Benfica in an extra-time match affected by a weather delay. Palmeiras emerged victorious against fellow Brazilian side Botafogo. Bayern Munich`s 4-2 win over Flamengo sets the stage for potentially Europe-heavy quarterfinals.
Bayern`s match is one of two in the Round of 16 pitting European against South American teams; Inter faces Fluminense on Monday. This could mean Palmeiras is the only CONMEBOL representative in the quarterfinals. The remaining ties also favor European clubs: Real Madrid plays Juventus, while Manchester City is favored against Al-Hilal, and Borussia Dortmund is expected to overcome Monterrey.
This trend suggests the tournament`s later stages may lack surprises and potentially diminish the international variety seen in the group stage.
Additional News
- USWNT win again: The USWNT secured another 4-0 victory over Ireland, showcasing the team`s depth utilized by coach Emma Hayes.
- Guatemala oust Canada: Canada was eliminated from the Gold Cup in a penalty shootout loss to Guatemala, who reach the semifinals for the first time since 1996.
- Palmeiras take out Botafogo: Palmeiras` statement win against Botafogo positions them as potentially the last South American team in the Club World Cup.
- Pochettino denies Brentford links: USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino denied interviewing for the Brentford job, which was filled by Keith Andrews.
- Pique on Kings League: Gerard Pique discussed the Kings League in an interview, calling it a “parallel” soccer ecosystem that can co-exist with the traditional game.
- Lazio falconer update: Lazio evicted the falconer fired in January for inappropriate posts, who had been squatting at the club`s training ground.
The Back Line
Best Bets
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Club World Cup round of 16: Real Madrid vs. Juventus, Tuesday, 3 p.m.
THE PICK: Gonzalo Garcia to score (+160) – While Kylian Mbappe`s availability and Rodrygo`s future are uncertain, Gonzalo Garcia has stepped up, scoring two goals in three Club World Cup games. The 21-year-old is seizing opportunities under new manager Xabi Alonso. Expect Garcia to perform against Juventus as Real Madrid aims for the quarterfinals.
