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Sweden vs USA soccer 2021

U.S. Women’s National Team Falls to Sweden 3-0 in Opening Match of 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games USA Resumes Group Play vs. New Zealand on Saturday, July 24 at 7:30 a.m. ET on NBC Sports Network, Telemundo, NBCOlympics.com and Telemundo Deportes App.

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TOKYO (July 21, 2021) -- The U.S. Women’s National Team dropped its first match of the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics falling 3-0 to Sweden in an empty Tokyo Stadium. Despite a spirited defensive effort and some stellar saves from goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, Sweden broke through for the opening goal midway through the first half and added two more after the break to end the second-longest unbeaten streak in USWNT history at 44 games.

The U.S. returns to action on Saturday, July 24 for what is now a crucial second Group G match against New Zealand. Kick-off from Saitama, Japan, is set for 7:30 a.m. ET on NBC Sports Network, Telemundo, NBCOlympics.com and Telemundo Deportes App.

Sweden, which put in a tremendous overall performance, proved dangerous from the game’s opening kick, earning a number of good chances off set pieces, on the counter attack and from pressing the USA, but Naeher made a number of nice saves to keep things level. In the 25th minute, Sweden broke things open when forward Stina Blackstenius headed home a well-placed service from Sofia Jakobsson.

The U.S. responded almost immediately with a nice attacking combination from Rose Lavelle, Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath, but Heath fired her shot wide after threatening near goal. Shortly after, left back Crystal Dunn made an impressive goal-saving tackle in the 30th minute on Jakobsson as she drove towards Naeher in the box.

Sweden held the advantage in corner kick opportunities for the entire evening, finishing with nine to the USA’s three, and converted one of their chances just after the break. Blackstenius netted her second of the night in the aftermath of a corner in the 54th minute.

The USWNT created number of chances down the stretch, with Lavelle launching a beautiful cross-field long ball for Carli Lloyd, who drove down the field but fired her shot off the foot of a retreating Sweden defender in the 61st. Perhaps the USA’s best chance of the night came 10 minutes later, when some great build-up got the ball to the forward Christen Press, but she hit the woodwork from close range.

Sweden’s Lina Hurtig scored its final goal in the 72nd minute to put a cap on the evening. Press had another chance in the first minute of stoppage time, but a nice save from Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl preserved the clean sheet.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN SWE – Stina Blackstenius (Sofia Jakobsson), 25th minute: After threatening throughout the early part of the game, Sweden broke through in the 25th minute. Defender Hanna Glas found Jakobsson on the run down the right flank and she sent a well-placed service into the six-yard box. Her cross found the head of Blackstenius at the near post, who got a step on defender Abby Dahlkemper and put it past goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and into the back corner of the net. USA 0, SWE 1

SWE – Stina Blackstenius, 54th minute: Jonna Andersson served up a corner kick for Amanda Ilestedt, whose header ricocheted off the woodwork. Lurking near the back post, the rebound fell right to Blackstenius, who directed a half-volley into the roof of the net from close range to double Sweden’s advantage. USA 0, SWE 2

SWE – Lina Hurtig (Hanna Glas), 72nd minute: Jakobsson and Glas combined for a nice give and go on the right flank, with Jakobsson sending Glas streaking downfield. Just outside the penalty area, she sent a soaring cross in to Hurtig just inside the six-yard box. A glancing header from Hurtig sailed into the top right corner to cap off Sweden’s scoring. USA 0, SWE 3

ADDITIONAL NOTES The USA’s record against Sweden now stands at 23-7-12 and 1-1-1 at the Olympics.

The loss ends the USWNT’s undefeated streak at 44 games, the second-longest in team history. The run trails only a 51-match unbeaten streak from Dec. 2004 to Sept. 2007.

It’s the USWNT’s first defeat under head coach Vlatko Andonovski, who is now 22-1-1 in his first 24 games (two at the end of 2019, nine in 2020 and 13 so far in 2021).

Andonovski’s lone draw also came against Sweden on April 10 in Stockholm.

It’s the USA’s first game without a goal since July 27, 2017, vs. Australia in Seattle, Wash.

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, defenders Abby Dahlkemper and Tierna Davidson as well as midfielders Rose Lavelle, Kristie Mewis and Samantha Mewis made their Olympic debuts.

Lindsey Horan and Carli Lloyd are the only two players to appear in all 13 matches for the USA so far in 2021.

Lloyd earned her 17th Olympic cap, surpassing Julie Foudy, Kate Markgraf, Kristine Lilly, Joy Fawcett and Hope Solo for the second-most Olympic appearances in USWNT history.

The loss was the USA’s worst-ever defeat in an Olympic match and largest loss since falling 4-0 to Brazil in the semifinal of the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

-U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM MATCH REPORT-

Match:

United States Women’s National Team vs. Sweden Date: July 21, 2021

Competition: 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Venue: Tokyo Stadium; Tokyo, Japan

Attendance: Closed Door

Kickoff: 4:30 a.m. ET

Weather: 88 degrees; partly cloudy

Scoring Summary: 1 2 F

USA 0 0 0

SWE 1 2 3

SWE- Stina Blackstenius (Sofia Jakobsson) 25th minute

SWE- Stina Blackstenius 54

SWE- Lina Hurtig (Hanna Glas) 72

Lineups:

USA: 1-Alyssa Naeher; 5-Kelley O’Hara, 17-Abby Dahlkemper, 4-Becky Sauerbrunn (Capt.), 2-Crystal Dunn (12-Tierna Davidson, 80); 16-Rose Lavelle (6-Kristie Mewis, 80), 9-Lindsey Horan, 3-Samantha Mewis (8-Julie Ertz, 46); 7-Tobin Heath (15-Megan Rapinoe, 64), 13-Alex Morgan (10-Carli Lloyd, 46), 11-Christen Press

How Sweden ended the USWNT's 44-game unbeaten run (1:20)

Fernando Palomo explains how Sweden became the first side to beat the USWNT since 2019. (1:20)

The United States women's national team began its Tokyo Olympic Games campaign with a 3-0 loss to Sweden at Tokyo Stadium in Japan on Wednesday, ending its 44-match unbeaten run in emphatic fashion.

Prematch, this clash had been billed as one of the most competitive ties, pitting the World Cup-winning USWNT against Olympic silver medalists Sweden, the team that also eliminated the U.S. in 2016.

- Women's Olympics soccer bracket and fixtures - Murray: USWNT looked lost in shock defeat - McNamee: Olympic soccer players to watch

Fifth-ranked Sweden put the pressure on almost immediately with three shots in the first eight minutes, before Stina Blackstenius headed it into the lead on 25 minutes from a Sofia Jakobsson cross.

Alyssa Naeher, in goal for the USWNT, had to make five saves in the first half to stop Sweden from increasing its advantage. Midfielder Rose Lavelle nearly equalized with a header in the 45th minute off a corner kick from Christen Press but hit the post.

USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski reacted to his side's poor first-half showing by making two changes at the break. Julie Ertz and Carli Lloyd were introduced in place of Alex Morgan and Sam Mewis.

However, the four-time Olympic gold medalists fell further behind in the 54th minute, when Blackstenius scored her second of the game, scoring from a rebound off a corner kick.

The USWNT made a third change after 64 minutes as Megan Rapinoe came on for Tobin Heath. Soon after, Rapinoe forced a save from Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl.

Press struck a post for the USWNT in the 72nd minute as it tried to rally, but Lisa Hurtig added a third goal for Sweden moments later, with a header into the roof of the net, to secure victory.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, Andonovski rolled the dice one last time, replacing Crystal Dunn and Lavelle with Tierna Davidson and Kristie Mewis.

The Rio defeat in 2016 marked the USWNT's earliest exit in Olympic history, after it previously reached the final of every edition of the Games since 1996, when the women's event was introduced.

The two sides drew 1-1 in an April friendly, the only blemish to the United States' 2021 record of 11 wins in 12 matches and a prescient warning of the challenges the team would face in their Tokyo kickoff.

The defeat was the United States' first under Andonovski, who took over from Jill Ellis in 2019.

Next up for the USWNT in Group G is New Zealand on Saturday before it finishes its group fixtures off against Australia on Tuesday.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.

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usa haiti soccer 2021

CHICAGO (July 10, 2021)—The U.S. Men’s National Team will launch its quest for a seventh confederation championship when it opens the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup against Haiti on Sunday, July 11 in Kansas City, Kan.

Coverage from Children’s Mercy Park begins at 9 p.m. ET on FS1, Univision and TUDN. Fans can follow the USMNT during the tournament on Twitter (@USMNT), Instagram (@USMNT), Facebook and the official U.S. Soccer App.

2021 GOLD CUP – USMNT ROSTER BY POSITION (CLUB; CAPS/GOALS) GOALKEEPERS (3): 22-Brad Guzan (Atlanta United; 64/0), 18-Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 9/0), 1-Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 1/0)

DEFENDERS (8): 21-George Bello (Atlanta United; 1/0), 2-Reggie Cannon (Boavista/POR; 18/1), 20-Shaq Moore (Tenerife/ESP; 5/0), 4-Donovan Pines (D.C. United; 0/0), 12-Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; 3/1), 16-James Sands (New York City FC; 0/0), 3-Sam Vines (Colorado Rapids; 3/0), 5-Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 14/2)

MIDFIELDERS (6): 23-Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids; 31/2), 6-Gianluca Busio (Sporting Kansas City; 0/0), 17-Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy; 24/7), 10-Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 20/0), 19-Eryk Williamson (Portland Timbers; 0/0), 14-Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes; 12/0)

FORWARDS: (6): 7-Paul Arriola (D.C. United; 35/8), 11-Daryl Dike (Orlando City; 3/1), 8-Nicholas Gioacchini (Caen/FRA; 3/2), 13-Matthew Hoppe (Schalke/GER; 0/0), 15-Jonathan Lewis (Colorado Rapids; 7/2), 9-Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew; 56/12)

USA SCHEDULE – 2021 GOLD CUP Date

Opponent

Venue

Time (ET)

TV Info

Sunday, July 11

Haiti

Children’s Mercy Park; Kansas City, Kansas

9 p.m.

FS1, Univision, TUDN

Thursday, July 15

Martinique

Children’s Mercy Park; Kansas City, Kansas

10 p.m.

FS1, UniMás, TUDN

Sunday, July 18

Canada

Children’s Mercy Park; Kansas City, Kansas

5 p.m.

FOX, Univision, TUDN

WHAT IS THE GOLD CUP? Held every two years, the Gold Cup is the regional championship for Concacaf, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. Just like in the European Championships and Copa America, lifting the trophy brings prestige and regional supremacy. Over the course of 15 previous Gold Cup tournaments, the United States has lifted the trophy six times (1991, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2017), just behind all-time leaders Mexico with eight (1993, 1996, 1998, 2003, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2019). Canada is the only other tournament champion, coming away with the title in 2000.

Placed in Group B, the U.S. opens the tournament against 2019 semifinalists Haiti on July 11, faces Martinique on July 15 and wraps up the group stage against Canada on July 18. The top two teams in each of the four groups advance to the quarterfinals (July 24-25 in Arlington, Texas and Glendale, Ariz.). The semifinals are scheduled for July 29 in Austin and Houston, before the championship match on Aug. 1 in Las Vegas.

ROAD TO VEGAS BEGINS In the middle of a jam-packed 2021 schedule, the Gold Cup provides an opportunity for the USMNT to pick up its second regional trophy of the summer. In June, the USA clinched the inaugural Concacaf Nations League title with a thrilling extra-time victory against Mexico, and now the U.S. will look to take home more hardware at the confederation championship.

This year’s competition takes on additional importance as the USMNT’s final gathering before 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying kicks off in September. The tournament will provide invaluable experience against Concacaf opposition in a high-pressure environment as 12 players have the chance to compete in official competition for the USA for the first time.

DEVELOPING THE PLAYER POOL Nineteen of the 23 players on the Gold Cup roster weren’t a part of the USMNT’s Nations League roster, providing an almost entirely new group of players exposure to high-level Concacaf competition. This experience is essential as World Cup qualifying kicks off in the fall, especially with a new format that includes more games over a shorter period of time. Eight teams will compete for three berths to the World Cup during the course of seven months rather than 18, and four of five international windows will include teams playing three matches in seven days, meaning depth will be critical.

Five players will aim to earn their first USMNT cap at the Gold Cup - Gianluca Busio, Matthew Hoppe, Donovan Pines, James Sands and Eryk Williamson - while seven others are looking to make their first appearance in official competition: George Bello, Daryl Dike, Nicholas Gioacchini, Shaq Moore, Miles Robinson, Matt Turner and Sam Vines.

EXPERIENCED CORE Despite arriving in Kansas City with a roster that averages just under 25 years of age, the USMNT brings six players who have Gold Cup titles under their belts: Brad Guzan and Sean Johnson (2 each), Kellyn Acosta, Paul Arriola, Cristian Roldan, and Gyasi Zardes (1 each). Three more bring prior experience at the tournament: Reggie Cannon, Jonathan Lewis and Walker Zimmerman.

Midfielder Sebastian Lletget is the only USMNT player to appear in all 11 of the team’s matches over the last two calendar years and is tied for the team’s goal-scoring lead this year with three tallies.

BACK HOME IN KC Born and raised in Overland Park, Kan., forward Nicholas Gioacchini is returning home for the first time since the age of eight, when his family moved to Italy. After a spell in Maryland, the Gioacchinis moved back to Europe and Nicholas launched his pro soccer career with Paris FC in 2017 before moving to Caen, his current club, the following year. The forward made his international debut and scored his first two USA goals in the 6-2 win against Jamaica in November and now will look to make his mark during the Gold Cup group stage in his hometown.

CANNON AIMS FOR ANOTHER TROPHY Defender Reggie Cannon is fresh off of a big June with the USMNT, helping the team lift the Concacaf Nations League trophy and scoring his first international goal in the friendly against Costa Rica. After playing a key role for the USA during the 2019 Gold Cup, Cannon made the move overseas to Portuguese club Boavista and is confident that he’s raised his game as he aims for his second regional title of the summer. Listen to the USMNT defender speak with Jordan Angeli and Charlie Davies on this week’s episode of The U.S. Soccer Podcast.

LAST TIME OUT The USMNT played four matches during the June international window, attempting to simulate the cadence of the new World Cup qualifying format. Sebastian Lletget struck first for the USA vs. Switzerland in the team’s first match, but the U.S. fell 2-1. In the Nations League, a hard-fought 1-0 semifinal win vs. Honduras set the stage for an instant classic USA-Mexico match in the Concacaf Nations League Final, a dramatic 3-2 victory.

WATCH: USMNT Defeats Costa Rica 4-0 | June 9, 2021

The USMNT capped off the international break with an emphatic 4-0 win against Costa Rica that saw both Cannon and forward Daryl Dike net their first international goals. With the result, the USA has won its last 10 matches against Concacaf opponents, a promising trend heading into the confederation championship.

Gold Cup roster members Kellyn Acosta, Cannon, Lletget and Jackson Yueill were all a part of the USA’s Nations League squad, while Dike and Zimmerman both appeared in the friendly vs. Costa Rica. Hoppe was a part of the USMNT matchday squad vs. Switzerland.

USA ROSTER NOTES Players on the roster average 13 caps overall and five caps in official competition.

Nineteen of the 23 players represent a total of 13 different clubs in Major League Soccer. Atlanta United and Colorado Rapids lead the way with three players each, followed by D.C. United, New York City FC (2 each); Columbus Crew, LA Galaxy, Nashville SC, New England Revolution, Orlando City SC, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City (1 each).

Defenders Reggie Cannon (Boavista; Portugal) and Shaq Moore (Tenerife; Spain) and forwards Nicholas Gioacchini (Caen; France) and Matthew Hoppe (Schalke; Germany) make up the European-based contingent.

Sporting KC midfielder Gianluca Busio and NYCFC defender James Sands are the two players on the roster to earn their first USMNT call-ups. Sands turned 21 on July 6, the day of his first USMNT training session.

Shaq Moore earns his first USMNT call-up since November 2018. With five international appearances to his name, the 24-year-old right back comes to his first camp under Gregg Berhalter after making 41 league appearances with Tenerife during the 2020-21 Spanish Segunda campaign.

A veteran of the USA’s 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup side, Moore last appeared in the USMNT’s 1-0 defeat to Italy on Nov. 20, 2018 in Genk, Belgium.

Gyasi Zardes’ team-leading 16 Gold Cup caps currently place him in a tie with Kyle Beckerman and Pablo Mastroeni for 10th on the USMNT's all-time Gold Cup appearances list.

Since 2018, Zardes leads all U.S.-eligible players in MLS with 47 goals. The veteran striker also sits eighth all-time on the USMNT's Gold Cup scoring list with four goals.

Midfielder Cristian Roldan made his international debut during the 2017 Gold Cup, starting the team's 3-2 win against Martinique on July 12, 2017, in Tampa. The USA will play Martinique on July 15, three days after the four-year anniversary of that match.

USMNT AT THE GOLD CUP Beginning with the inaugural title in 1991, the U.S. has lifted the Gold Cup on six occasions. The USA returned the trophy home in 2002 and won again in 2005, 2007, 2013 and 2017.

The USA has more wins in the Gold Cup than any other nation, going 61-9-9 all-time.

The U.S. has gone an impressive 35-1-4 during the group stage.

The USMNT has advanced to the final on 11 occasions: 1991, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017 and 2019.

The USA has made it to the semifinals in 14 out of 15 tournaments, missing out only in 2000.

USA-HAITI The USMNT is 6-6-5 against Haiti all-time. Les Grenadiers are one of only two Concacaf teams against which the USA does not hold a winning record – the other is Mexico.

The USA is unbeaten in its last five matches (3-0-2) vs. Haiti and undefeated in three Gold Cup meetings with the Caribbean nation (2-0-1).

The U.S. and Haiti last met in the 2015 Gold Cup group stage in Foxborough, Mass., a 1-0 win for the USA. Gyasi Zardes teed up Clint Dempsey for the lone goal just after halftime to help the USMNT secure the top spot in Group A.

Their first meeting came in qualifying for the 1954 World Cup, with two victories for the USA in Port-au-Prince on the strength of goals scored by National Soccer Hall of Famers Bill Looby and Efrain Chacurian.

HAITI ROSTER (CLUB; CAPS/GOALS) GOALKEEPERS (3): 12-Josue Duverger (Vitoria/POR; 1/0), 23-Isaac Rouaud (J3S Amilly/FRA; 0/0), 1-Brain Sylvestre (Miami FC/USA; 0/0)

DEFENDERS (8): 4-Ricardo Ade (Muschuc Runa/ECU; 17/1), 2-Carlens Arcus (Auxerre/FRA; 20/1), 22-Alex Christian (Atyrau/KAZ; 29/0), 3-Francois Dulysse (New England Revolution II/USA; 0/0), 17-Martin Experience (Avranches/FRA; 0/0), 6-Jems Geffrard (HFX Wanderers/CAN; 19/0), 13-Kevin Lafrance (AEK Larnaca/CYP; 39/5), 5-Stephane Lambese (Orleans/FRA; 8/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6): 21-Bryan Alceus (Gaz Metan Medias/ARM; 22/0), 15-Dutherson Clerveaux (Cavaly; 1/0), 10-Derrick Etienne (Columbus Crew/USA; 25/3), 8-Zachary Herivaux (Birmingham Legion/USA; 17/0), 14-Leverton Pierre (USL Dunkerque/FRA; 0/0), 19-Steeven Saba (Violette; 14/1)

FORWARDS (6): 7-Carnejy Antoince (Orleans/FRA; 1/2), 18-Ronaldo Damus (Orange County SC/USA; 2/0), 16-Don Louicius (Hobro IK/DEN; 2/0), 11-Roberto Louima (Violette; 4/0), 9-Duckens Nazon (Sint-Truiden/BEL; 44/26), 20-Frantzdy Pierrot (Guingamp/FRA; 23/14)

IN FOCUS: HAITI Haiti earned its berth to the 2021 Gold Cup as one of three preliminary qualifiers. Prior to the tournament proper, 12 teams gathered in Ft. Lauderdale and played out three four-team brackets to determine the competition’s final three entrants.

The top seed in the Gold Cup prelims, Haiti topped Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6-1 in its opening match with Duckens Nazon bagging a brace.

In the Gold Cup berth-clinching match vs. Bermuda, Les Grenadiers used a first-half hat trick from Frantzdy Pierrot to win 4-1 and advance to its eighth confederation championship.

Nazon (26 goals) and Pierrot (14 goals) are the leading scorers on the roster and have combined for 13 goals this year. Nazon’s 49 caps also lead the team.

Haiti had an impressive showing at the 2019 Gold Cup, reaching the tournament semifinals for its highest finish. The Haitians topped their group with three straight victories and came from behind to beat Canada in the quarterfinals before losing to Mexico on a penalty in extra time.

Haiti is 8-11-5 all-time at the Gold Cup. The Carribean nation has advanced past the group stage in four of seven previous appearances.

Former Haiti defender Jean-Jacques Pierre became Haiti’s head coach at the start of 2021 and has led the team to a 5-2-0 record entering the Gold Cup. It’s his first major coaching job after a long playing career across Argentina, France, Greece, Haiti and Uruguay.

Five players are based in the USA, highlighted by Columbus Crew midfielder Derrick Etienne Jr., a teammate of U.S. forward Gyasi Zardes. Goalkeeper Bryan Sylvestre (Miami FC), midfielder Zachary Herivaux (Birmingham Legion) and forward Ronaldo Damus (Orange County SC) play in the USL Championship, while defender Francois Dulysse plays in USL League One at New England Revolution II.

Haiti has players based in 11 different countries. In addition to three in Haiti, Les Grenadiers ply their trade in France (seven), the U.S. (five), Armenia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, Kazakhstan and Portugal (one each).

Live Broadcast: Coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on FS1, Univision & TUDN - Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET

LINEUP NOTES: USMNT vs. Haiti

2021 Concacaf Gold Cup July 11, 2021 Children’s Mercy Park; Kansas City, Kan. Live Broadcast: Coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on FS1, Univision & TUDN Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET Social Media: @USMNT on Twitter and Instagram; @ussoccer on Facebook , The U.S. Soccer App

Tonight’s USMNT Starting XI vs. Haiti: 1-Matt Turner, 3-Sam Vines, 5-Walker Zimmerman, 7-Paul Arriola, 9-Gyasi Zardes, 12-Miles Robinson, 14-Jackson Yueill, 15-Jonathan Lewis, 17-Sebastian Lletget (capt.), 20-Shaq Moore, 23-Kellyn Acosta

Substitutes: 18-Sean Johnson, 22-Brad Guzan, 4-Donovan Pines, 6-Gianluca Busio, 8-Nicholas Gioacchini, 10-Cristian Roldan, 11-Daryl Dike, 13-Matthew Hoppe, 16-James Sands, 19-Eryk Williamson, 21-George Bello

GAME NOTES | FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HAITI | USMNT GOLD CUP TRIVIA USMNT Starting XI Cap Numbers (including this match): Gyasi Zardes (57), Paul Arriola (36), Kellyn Acosta (32), Sebastian Lletget (25), Walker Zimmerman (15), Jackson Yueill (13), Jonathan Lewis (8), Shaq Moore (6), Miles Robinson (4), Sam Vines (4), Matt Turner (2)

USMNT Starting XI Gold Cup Cap Numbers (including this match): Gyasi Zardes (17), Paul Arriola (11), Kellyn Acosta (6), Walker Zimmerman (4), Jonathan Lewis (2), Sebastian Lletget (1), Shaq Moore (1), Miles Robinson (1), Matt Turner (1), Sam Vines (1), Jackson Yueill (1)

Tonight’s Starting XI has an average age of 25 years, 360 days.

The Starting XI averages 17 caps.

Defender Reggie Cannon has experienced right hamstring soreness in the last 24 hours and is being held out as a precaution. His status is day-to-day.

Sebastian Lletget captains the USMNT for the first time tonight. The 28-year-old midfielder is the 12th different player to wear the armband under head coach Gregg Berhalter.

Ten of 11 starters hail from Major League Soccer, with right back Shaq Moore (Tenerife; Spain) as the lone foreign-based player.

Moore is one of four players making their USMNT debuts in official competition tonight, joining goalkeeper Matt Turner and defenders Miles Robinson and Sam Vines.

Turner (eligible to represent Lithuania) and Moore (eligible to represent Trinidad and Tobago) will both become officially cap-tied to the USMNT once the opening whistle blows tonight.

Moore earns his first USMNT appearance since playing in the 1-0 friendly defeat to Italy on Nov. 20, 2018 in Genk, Belgium.

Kellyn Acosta, Sebastian Lletget and Jackson Yueill were all part of the U.S. roster during last month’s Concacaf Nations League triumph.

Making his 17th Gold Cup appearance tonight, forward Gyasi Zardes moves past Kyle Beckerman and Pablo Mastroeni for sole possession of 10th on the USMNT’s all-time Gold Cup caps list.

The only starter to previously appear against Haiti, Zardes came on as a halftime substitute and assisted on Clint Dempsey’s goal two minutes later in a 1-0 Gold Cup group stage win on July 10, 2015 in Foxborough, Mass.

Walker Zimmerman earns his first start since the 1-0 win against Costa Rica on Feb. 1, 2020.

Zimmerman and Miles Robinson partner together in central defense for the first time tonight. It’s the 13th different central defensive pairing deployed under Gregg Berhalter.

Tonight’s match marks the second time the trio of Kellyn Acosta, Sebastian Lletget and Jackson Yueill will work together in midfield. The three previously lined up at the start of the USA’s 7-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago on Jan. 31, 2021 in Orlando.

Gianluca Busio, Matthew Hoppe, Donovan Pines and James Sands would earn their USMNT debuts should they enter the match tonight.

Four players beginning the match on the bench would become cap-tied to the United States should they play tonight against Haiti: George Bello (Nigeria), Gianluca Busio (Italy), Daryl Dike (Nigeria), Nicholas Gioacchini (Italy and Jamaica).

A midfielder with Sporting KC, Busio would have the opportunity of making his USMNT debut in his home club stadium.

Meanwhile, Gioacchini would get to represent the U.S. just 17 miles from where he grew up in Overland Park, Kansas.

Teams are allowed five substitutions during the group stage of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.

The USA holds an even 6-6-5 record in 17 all-time matches against Haiti. Les Grenadiers are one of two Concacaf nations the USMNT does not have a winning record against.

The USA is 2-0-1 against Haiti in Gold Cup play.

The USMNT is 20-6-3 in 29 matches under Gregg Berhalter.

The United States Men’s National Team opened up Group B play at the 2021 Gold Cup with a 1-0 victory over Haiti last night in Kansas City. It gave them 3 points to keep them on pace with Canada, who beat Martinique in the first match of the doubleheader. For the USMNT, there were some positives and some areas for improvement in a match where they seemed very sluggish at times and still have some questions to answer as they move forward in the tournament. Here’s what we learned.

No urgency on attack.

USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter was “disappointed” in the lack of urgency that the attack showed against Haiti, a team that entered the match with 5 of its players sidelined due to testing positive for Covid.

“I missed the urgency to score more goals and to be dangerous and first pass forward and aggressive,” Berhalter said during the post-match press conference. “To me, it was way too slow, way too backwards. Not enough intent to turn it around and get them get them defending in the penalty box. And then once we’re in the penalty box, I didn’t like the runs, the movement in the box. I didn’t like the service. So from the attacking end, we were disappointed with the intent that we showed tonight.”

The team didn’t have enough runs forward to sustain an attack. You had consistent play down the right side, particularly with Shaq Moore. Paul Arriola did well at times before he was forced off early in the first half due to injury. However, the left side of Jonathan Lewis and Sam Vines didn’t do enough to keep Haiti on their toes, despite Sam Vines scoring the lone goal for the Americans. The USMNT needed to gas out Haiti, who was short staffed and playing compact for most of the match to conserve energy. Instead, the Americans played right into Haiti’s game, and Haiti felt more comfortable withstanding any attack and trying to turn quick counters down the field when the American midfield would make a mistake.

Gianluca Busio showed why people should be very excited about his future.

The 19-year-old Italian American made his USMNT debut last night in front of his home fans in Kansas City when he subbed on for Jackson Yueill in the 62nd minute, and he certainly made an impression with his play. He played with confidence and was constantly looking to drive the attack forward. With every touch he took last night, the Children’s Mercy Park crowd of 12,664 cheered loudly, and he gave them reasons to do just that. He had a shot on goal late in the match that was an absolute laser that required an incredible save by Haitian goalkeeper Bryan Sylvestre, but Busio was a breath of fresh air on a night where the attack felt stagnant.

The winger depth chart has become super thin.

Hopefully, the injury to Paul Arriola is not a serious one, but even before that, Gregg Berhalter admitted that he didn’t have a lot of depth at the wings on this roster. Now, with Arriola having to sub off due to injury in the 14th minute of last night’s match, the winger group is even thinner. Nicholas Gioacchini replaced Arriola at right wing, and Daryl Dike eventually subbed on for Jonathan Lewis on the left wing. That’s 2 guys that normally operate as 9s for club and country. Matthew Hoppe, another 9, is also someone that Berhalter believes has the movement to play on one of the wings. So, who will start against Martinique on the wings remains to be seen, but with the focus on creating scoring opportunities already heightened for this group and with the lackluster effort last night, there will be more eyes on who Gregg Berhalter decides to play on that forward line as they progress in the Gold Cup.

Those are some of the things we learned. What did you take away from last night’s match? Hit the comments and discuss.

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thisissoccer · 3 years

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mexico vs france olympics 2021

What time is the Mexico vs France Olympics 2021?

4:00 am EDT The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games soccer match between Mexico and France will kick off at the Ajinomoto Stadium, on Thursday 22 July 2021 at 4:00 am EDT and 1:00 am PDT.

What channel is Mexico vs France Olympics?

Spectators had to wait an extra year for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, but the weeks-long tournament has now arrived. As usual, broadcast networks are going all-out with their coverage of the Olympics. ... Thursday, July 22.

Who won Mexico vs France Olympics?

Mexico had a fantastic start to in the men's soccer competition at the Olympics in Tokyo, defeating France 4-1 in its group stage opener Thursday.

Did Japan beat Mexico in soccer?

Saitama – An early burst of scoring gave Japan an emphatic 2-1 victory over Mexico in the Tokyo 2020 men's soccer tournament on Sunday night at Saitama Stadium, giving the host nation control of its own fate heading into Wednesday's final Group A game against France.

Mexico 4-1 France: as it happened Mexico off to a flying start at Olympics Having won the CONCACAF qualifying tournament, Mexico justified their dark horse status with a convincing win over France in Group A, courtesy of second-half goals from Alexis Vega, Sebastian Cordova, Uriel Antuna and Erick Aguirre.

Scroll down to see how the game unfolded and what the reaction to it was like.

Coming up next on AS English is another one of the potential winners of the title as Brazil take on Germany. Join the build up and live action now.

Gignac's muted celebration Tigres’ all-time top scorer, Andre-Pierre Gignac, was very apologetic after knocking home a penalty for France to make it 2-1. After playing in Liga MX for six years there is a lot of feeling there.

Maybe he was therefore happy when El Tri ran out clear winners.

Mexico keeping their promise They said it would be worth it and after their four goals they now feel rather smug about that claim.

France face South Africa & Japan next.

Mexico 4-1 France Mexico had seven shots on target and converted four. Clinical.

Stats via SofaScore

MOTM - Alexis Vega (Mexico)

The forward marked an impressive day with a fine header past Bernardoni in the France goal.

Mexico get off to a flyer at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a resounding 4-1 win over Les Bleus in their Group A opener.

FT: Mexico 4-1 France We're into the final 60 seconds...

Mexico 4-1 France Substitute Eduardo Aguirre buries a shot past Bernardoni to make it 4-1. Aguirre gives the France netminder no chance from a tight angle on the right-hand side of the box.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

MEXICO SCORE 4

Muani heads straight at Ochoa. It's only a half chance and an easy one for the 36-year-old between the posts.

Mexico make another change

OFF Martin

ON Aguirre

Mexico change

OFF Vega

ON Alvarado

Michelin shoots well over from distance. Definitely not a 3-star shot.

Mexico get ready to make another change.

MEXICO 3-1 FRANCE It's a super run and goal from the sub. Antuna drives across the box and lets fly off his left foot from the edge of the box. The ball smashes off the post and goes it to all but seal it for Mexico with just under 10 minutes remaining.

ANTUNA MAKES IT 3!!! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL MEXICO!!! Antuna shoots!

It's nearly 3 for Mexico! Antuna finds himself down the right, shoots across the France goal and it rolls just wide. Still 2-1 to Mexico.

Vasquez heads away a France cross from the right. Les Bleus have their tails up now after Gignac's penalty.

Double change for Mexico

OFF Lainez & Cordova

ON Esquivel & Antuna

Game on! There are 20 minutes left in Tokyo, plus added time.

Mexico 2-1 France Ochoa dives to his left. Gignac sends his penalty just under the keeper's arm. Ochoa will be disappointed with that one.

GIGNAC SCORES! Gignac has the ball in his hands.

Gignac vs Ochoa

Muani is taken down by Montes in the box...

Penalty for France! ROMO!

Romo finds himself free 30 yards from goal, takes one look at the France goal and unleashes a long range strike that sails over. A third goal for Mexico would surely put this one to bed.

France continue to push. This time Le Fée drives a cross into the danger zone from the left wing. Ochoa springs off his line to collect.

Caci shoots!

The France full-back opens up his body on the right-hand side of the box, before curling an shot just wide of Ochoa's post. A good effort. 2-0

France change

OFF Nordin

ON Kolo Muani

France change

OFF Tousart

ON Beka Beka

Gignac finds himself offside.

Mexico's forward finds himself in acres of space on the edge of the box and fires beyond Bernardoni to make it 2-0. A fine strike after a nice through ball over the top of the France defence by Rodriguez. France are all over the place. 2-0

Cordova doubles Mexico's lead! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL MEXICO!!! Nordin shoots well wide for France. A poor effort by all accounts.

A super start to the second half for Mexico. France will have to lift their game now.

Mexico 1-0 France (Vega) It's that man Lainez down the right again. He turns France inside out before crossing for Vega, who makes no mistake with a thumping header into the net, giving Bernardoni no chance.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL MEXICO!!!

Cordova hits the post after a spectacular bit of play, taking it on his chest before volleying past Bernardoni. It's offside!

Gignac gets us underway for the second half!

The players make their way back onto the pitch for the second half!

And the first half comes to a close. A very interesting opening 45 minutes. France have failed to handle Mexico down the right, but it remains goalless at the break.

HT: Mexico 0-0 France

There will be two minutes added on at the end of the 45'.

Mexico's defence defend well as France look to break them down. Mexico regain possession and build out from the back.

France have had great success at international level (two World Cups, two Euros and a couple of Confederations Cups), but they have only been able to win the gold medal at the 1984 Olympics. Since then they have been absent without leave and they last qualified in 1996.

Nordin is fouled by Montes. It's a France free and a warning for Montes.

Cordova chance!

The ball falls to Cordova on the edge of the box. He sends his effort just wide of Bernardoni's right-hand post.

France are having their spell of the half now after an impressive opening half an hour from Mexico. Vega had the best chance of the game, but Sagnan cleared off the line. Les Bleus have yet to conjure up any real chances but are beginning to get into it more.

Ochoa saves!

Nordin hits it well from just inside the box. It's going high into the top right-hand corner. The former Granada keeper gets a big left hand to the strike. The resulting corner is cleared by Mexico.

Gignac is fed, finally. Savanier picks the 35-year-old out with a fine ball. Gignac has his back to goal, spins on the spot and directs his header low to Ochoa's left. France are now looking to play narrow. 0-0

Mexico have been the better team in the opening 25 minutes. France's game plan hasn't worked thus far, with Gignac looking quite isolated up top.

Sagnan clears another Diego Lainez cross from the right. Sanchez and the Betis winger have caused France problems down the right since the get-go.

Mexico go so close again!

Lainez does superbly well to get to the byline after a mazy run. Martin is in the box, he looks for the striker but the French defence stand strong. Mexico have really upped the ante.

Sagnan clears off the line!

It's the best chance of the game so far. Vega rounds two French defenders before sliding under Bernardoni. Sagnan is on the line to clear and it remains 0-0.

Michelin picks up the first yellow of the game for a late challenge. He can have no complaints about that one.

Sanchez flies forward from right-back to cross for Martin but his effort is blocked by Kalulu. 0-0

Savanier shoots!

It's a poor effort from around 25 yards. Ochoa watches it as it goes wide and out for a goalkick.

Today's venue is the Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo, where Sweden defeated the USWNT 3-0 yesterday.

Thauvin picks out Gignac with a cross from the right but the experienced striker is unable to direct his header into the corner. More positive play for France.

It has been a lively start for both sides. Gignac is leading the line for France. Lainez of Real Betis will be looking to showcase his talents for Mexico, who are captained by the experienced goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa.

France, in all white, are playing from left to right as we watch it.

Mexico are wearing green socks, red shorts, and their famous green shirt.

We're underway in Tokyo!

It's Mexico vs France...

Group-stage schedule: Group A: Japan, France, Mexico, South Africa

22 July: Mexico vs France, Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo, 5pm local time/4am EDT

22 July: Japan vs South Africa, Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo, 8pm local time/7am EDT

25 July: France vs South Africa, Saitama Stadium, Saitama, 5pm local time/4am EDT

25 July: Japan vs Mexico, Saitama Stadium, Saitama, 8pm local time/7am EDT

28 July: France vs Japan, International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, 8:30pm local time/7:30am EDT

28 July: South Africa vs Mexico, Sapporo Dome, Sapporo, 8:30pm local time/7:30am EDT

Kick-off in Tokyo is just 20 minutes away!

France XI vs Mexico André-Pierre Gignac leads the line and captains France in their Olympics opener.

Mexico give short lesson on France!

France have played at the Olympic Games on 12 occasions.

Mexico announce starting XI for France clash This summer's Olympic tournament for under-24s Due to the 12-month delay to the 2020 Games, this summer’s men’s soccer tournament will actually be an under-24 competition.

This is because early last year, following the announcement that the Tokyo Olympics had been postponed until 2021, FIFA confirmed that the eligibility cut-off point originally established for the 2020 event would not be changed.

To compete in Japan, non-overage players must have been born on or after 1 January 1997.

What time does Mexico vs France kick off? The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games soccer match between Mexico and France will kick off at the Ajinomoto Stadium, on Thursday 22 July 2021 at 4:00 am EDT and 1:00 am PDT.

That’s 10:00 am CEST and 9:00 am UK time.

The 2012 gold medalists vs the 2018 world champions France have had great success at international level (two World Cups, two Euros and a couple of Confederations Cups), but they have only been able to win the gold medal at the 1984 Olympics. Since then they have been absent without leave and they last qualified in 1996.

France's rising stars haven’t travelled to Japan, as some of them already played at the European Championship and others have been withdrawn by their club sides, meaning that most of Sylvain Ripoll’s squad is full of Ligue 1 players.

Mexico U23 vs France U23 live: welcome Hello and welcome to AS English's live coverage of this 2020 Tokyo Olympics Group A encounter between Mexico U23s and France U23s. Kick-off is at 10:00 CEST / 04:00 ET.

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thisissoccer · 3 years

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us vs canada soccer 2021

The United States men’s national team closed out the group stage of the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 1-0 win against Canada. While it was indeed a rather dreary affair, the USMNT walked away with the result. While the team had already qualified to the knockout stages, this victory let the MNT win the group (anything less and Canada would have won the group, whether outright or through tie-breakers).

This game represented the first really significant test for a rather green group of American players. Yeah, neither Canada nor the MNT needed to win this one to advance to the knockout stages, but with second place likely to eventually face Mexico in the semifinals, both teams wanted to win this. And, while Canada was missing a handful of notable names, namely Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, this was still a pretty talented group. At the very least, the players are comparably matched to this version of the MNT, perhaps even slightly ahead. And that made this match up the perfect test to see how if this group of players can play at a higher level than was offered up in the previous two games against Haiti and Martinique and who should stay in consideration for the full senior team.

With that said, here’s what we learned:

Game States Matter In the tactical analysis for the Nation’s League semifinal against Honduras, I pissed a lot of people off by declaring that the performance was GOOD ENOUGH. The same sentiment applies here. The USMNT was GOOD ENOUGH against Canada. It wasn’t fun, it wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t what we hoped for, but it was GOOD ENOUGH. The team walked away with a win, and that’s what’s important.

There were two big moments that dictated how this game played out. The goal was, quite obviously, one of them.

Within thirty seconds, the USMNT took the lead. That means we have to analyze essentially 90 minutes with that context. Because of that early goal, the mindset of the team had to switch from “How do we win this game?” to “How do we keep this lead?”. And those questions lead to very different responses.

At 0-0, there’s a balance where a team needs to balance their priorities between scoring and defending. When you have the lead, that shifts so that defending becomes more important than scoring. Racking up goals is nice, but if you concede, you are no longer winning. On the other hand, the opposing team, the losing team, needs to get a goal. The difference between a 1-0 and 1-1 game is huge (in this case, that would have let Canada win the group), but the difference for a losing team of 1-0 and 2-0 isn’t quite so significant. Losing by more sucks, but not-losing is just worth way, way more, such that is justifies taking more risks and playing more aggressively.

Given those incentives, we can, in a game between two comparable opponents, expect the team with the early lead to sit back and seek to limit the number and quality of attacking opportunities, while the team that was behind would seek to try and control more of the game to have more opportunities and try and get back in it. The context for the USMNT demanded an effective defensive performance. And that’s what we got.

Canada led in possession, and they led in shots. But the USMNT managed Canada’s chances such that the Canadians couldn’t get any truly good opportunities. The USMNT led, not just in goals, but expected goals, 0.92-0.65, indicating that the US was both better at making high quality chances and better at limiting Canada’s. When I say that the US was good enough, I’m not making a blithe statement about the result. This wasn’t the kind of game where a team gets an opportunistic goal and is lucky not to concede three or four goals. No, the USMNT didn’t get lucky. When I say that the USMNT was good enough, I mean that they decisions and plays that they made were effective on the day.

I think USMNT fans are really anxious to see the national team crush teams that they otherwise don’t really respect. I think fans should treat these teams with more respect — soccer is hard — but I think the impulse to demand higher things from the USMNT is a good one. But we shouldn’t let our anxieties obscure what are effective performances and good results. I know a lot of people want to see thrilling soccer, with the team driving up the score, and, frankly, I do, too. But I think it is more important and more rewarding to see the MNT progress by beating more teams. By beating better teams. Honestly, I don’t really mind that the USMNT’s performance vs. Canada was merely good enough. That win vs. Honduras was merely good enough, but then we went and beat Mexico in an exhilarating final. Hopefully, this good-enough display vs. Canada is the same, that it leads to the team raising their level and beating the next team.

You Like my New Look? You know how Gregg Berhalter’s got his whole system, this whole thing where, no matter who’s on the roster, the team comes out and plays the same formation and tries to play the same way? Yeah... Berhalter’s trotted out a different starting formation in each of the three group stage games. Against Haiti, the team started in a 4-3-3. Against Martinique, it was a 3-4-3. And against Canada, the team started out in a 3-5-2.

Some of this mix-and-matching is to be expected. Berhalter called in a rather lopsided roster and doesn’t really have much choice. But I think it still highlights how disconnected the stereotype of Berhalter as this inflexible coach really is. Yeah, there’s a preferred style of play, one that, after two years of players getting used to, is leading to results with the A team. But when presented with a limited roster in competitive matches, Berhalter’s made adjustments. He’s twice beaten Canada in competitive matches by having the team sit back (those matches proved to be both the starting and ending points for a string of victories for Canada against CONCACAF opponents).

However, this game got a bit more weird than just a new starting line-up. Earlier, I mentioned that there were a few really defining moments in this match. The goal was the first, and the second were the pair of substitutions for Walker Zimmerman and Ayo Akinola for the US and Canada respectively.

As it turned out, losing Zimmerman to injury and swapping in Donovan Pines represented a steep drop in quality. Zimmerman is just both a better defender and a better passer. As a result, the team had to compensate, dropping deeper to both better screen the backline and to try and connect the defense with midfield. In turn, bringing Osorio on for Canada, coupled with Tajon Buchanan and Richie Laryea swapping sides, allowed Canada to have much more control of the game.

To compensate, we saw Sands step out into midfield more. In effect, this created a 4-4-2, which you can see with this first half pass-map that I got during the game from MLS’s match stat page.

The map’s a little bit wonky because it still lists Zimmerman in there, but I think it still shows how weird some of the positions are, particularly for James Sands and Gianluca Busio. Sands is in front of the backline like a defensive midfielder, while Busio, the ostensible d-mid, is up with the strikers like an attacking mid. When we look at Sands’ touches, we see that, yeah, he’s quite often sitting in front of the defense.

Ok, so we’ve got a 4-4-2 here. How did that play? In general, the midfield looked something like a diamond, with Sands staying back, Busio running all over the place, and the fullbacks providing width. Dike would try and tuck into midfield, providing an outlet to hold the ball and allow the other players to advance.

In general, I would say that the 4-4-2 did not work. While Moore played high up the field, Vines was needed for cover in the back. This made the team lopsided towards the right in possession. While Sands and Robinson were generally tidy, Pines proved to be far more uncomfortable in his passing. It didn’t help that Busio didn’t stick to any clear position, while Acosta had a dud of a match. Finally, the strikers were really quite ineffective. With the team failing to hold possession and unable to advance up the field, Zardes was left disconnected. While Zardes didn’t so much as get a chance to show in the match, Dike kind of squandered his chances. He was really poor while trying to hold up the ball, frequently playing bad touches and making miscues. While Dike effectively used his physicality to dominate over the Martinique defenders, the Canadian defenders seemed much better prepared to handle him.

Mind you, this 4-4-2 was an adaptation of the starting line up. It was supposed to be a 3-5-2, and that helps explain why it was so janky. But I think it really illustrates one of the big problems with three-center back systems. You have to take someone from either the midfield or the attack to slot in an extra center back. Normally, the USMNT plays with one striker and two wingers, with three in midfield. With a 3-5-2, we swapped out both wingers, getting one striker and one center back. With the 4-4-2, we pushed one of those center backs in midfield. On the next, that’s still one less attacking player. This shouldn’t be taken as a knock against Sands — he was dominant on the night, one of the best players for the USMNT. But part of that midfield dysfunction, along with individual subpar performances, is simply because there’s not the right mix of defensive, offensive, and transitionary players.

Dual of the Fates For me, the biggest takeaway on the night actually didn’t show up on the scoreline, nor even with the USMNT’s lineup. You’ve got to look at Canada for the biggest story.

Ayo Akinola started his first game for Canada. Unfortunately, he had an injury in the first half and had to be subbed off, but his starting is a big deal. You might remember, Akinola actually played for the USMNT back in December, even scoring a goal. Akinola was eligible both for the US and for Canada and, while he appeared in that friendly, he has since decided that he will represent Canada. His earlier appearance in the Gold Cup cap-tied him and he is no longer eligible for the USMNT.

I wrote about the USMNT’s approach to dual nationals back in February. The piece was very positive, but it had a warning.

As of late, dual national decisions have gone in the USMNT’s favor. To the best of my ability, I can’t think of a single high-profile case where a player decided to leave the US program in the last two years. That kind of a streak is not going to last. I mentioned in the previous article that Berhalter’s played almost 70 different players. And not all of those players are going to have robust futures with the national team. ... maybe Ayo Akinola decides his heart lies with Canada. Not everyone is going to stick around; that’s just how it works.

Not everyone eligible for the USMNT is going to pan out with the program. And, in this case, Akinola went with Canada. Frankly, that’s good for him. I wish he stuck with the USMNT, but I do not begrudge him for this choice, and may his career be long and successful.

But it’s not just Akinola who the US has recently lost out on. Efraín Álvarez went with Mexico, while Alex Roldan (the brother to Cristian Roldan on the USMNT roster) is balling with El Salvador. All of these players are Americans. We have hit the point where American dual nationals are playing, not just for the USMNT, but for the other federations as well. Indeed, El Salvador had SIX American players fielded last night against Mexico, along with Hugo Pérez, himself a retired USMNT player of Salvadoran decent.

Having so many Americans playing for different national teams is a clear sign of the game in this country. But it’s also a warning that the soccer community and national team program needs to be open and vigilant about recruiting dual nationals within the country and within the federation. The other nations are scouting us. If we are not proactive about expanding programs and reaching out to these players, players already in our country, we will miss out on talent.

But this isn’t just limited to Americans. Canada didn’t merely have Akinola on the line up. They had, by my count, 6 dual nationals in the starting line up, coming from a range of different nations. We see it from the Central American teams. We’ve already talked about El Salvador, but on Costa Rica, there’s also Ariel Lassiter, an American. The Caribbean nations have a strong history of recruiting and we see that here with Haiti and Jamaica. Indeed, even the likes of Mexico, traditionally hold-outs for incorporating dual nationals to the national team, are starting games. While Álvarez didn’t start, the Funes Mori, who was born in Argentina, did. CONCACAF is getting more diverse. That’s going to make teams better, more dynamic, and more varied.

Closing Thoughts James Sands stands out as the big winner from this group stage. He’s been cool, calm, and effective through all the matches. The fact that he can play in defense and in midfield is a big plus. He’s tidy and defensively sound in midfield, which makes him a good candidate to serve as Tyler Adams’ understudy.

Miles Robinson has also consistently been solid. Up until now, we haven’t been able to get a prolonged run with him on the national team due to injuries and scheduling, but now that he’s here, he looks the part.

On the other hand, Pines looks out of his depth. I just think this is a level too high for him. That said, the USMNT suddenly looks quite good at center back. We’ve got Sands and Robinson currently in camp, along with Zimmerman. They join Brooks, McKenzie, and Miazga (who all featured in the Nations League camp) on the depth chart. We can add Richards and Long as well, at least in the long-term. That’s eight players before we get into more fringe options like Palmer-Brown and Carter-Vickers.

Vines had a solid defensive performance. After a very “meh” performance v. Haiti, Vines came back and showed defensive fortitude. He certainly looked more solid right now than George Bello, who looked a bit lost at times vs. Martinique.

The current roster has a midfield problem. There’s going to be a lot made out about Busio’s poor display. He looked like he didn’t know where to play, which tracks for a 19 year old who hasn’t had a consistent spot in midfield. On top of that, there’s a physicality issue, with Busio not challenging against Martinique or Canada. But that’s not a problem limited to just him:

Berhalter needs to figure out how to get some physical dynamism in that midfield. Right now, it doesn’t look like there’s a clear option, though Sands may be solution.

Speaking of Busio,

Just awaiting final signed docs and player medical. @SportingKC agreed to the following; $10.5m-11m range between transfer and incentives for @gbusio13 with Venezia. Should be finalized by mid-week according to a source close to the player. #SportingKC #MLS

— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) July 18, 2021 It looks like some were a bit too quick to declare Dike as the number 1 striker after the Martinique game. Against Canada, Dike looked like a player who’s barely played with the ball at his feet for the last six months. Which is basically what happened at Barnsley, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Dike needs to work on being more well-rounded, particularly with his passing and his touch. Right now, I think Sargent offers that more well-rounded play, even though we haven’t seen too many of the goals. Getting good transfers will be important for both of them.

Gold Cup 2021: USA-Canada The whistle sounds in Kansas and Shaq Moore's goal after 26 seconds is enough for the USNMT to top Group B

Late corner for Canada with Osorio to take.... Poor hit from the Canadian as the US break and the men n white recover the ball with Lucas Cavallini getting a shot off but the ball is straight at Turner.

We're into added time, 5 minutes will be added but it looks like the US will top the group with Canada having to settle for second place

The AT&T stadium in Arlington Texas is set to host the quarter-final involving both these sides on 25 July. Costa Rica or Jamaica await in the next stage.

Five minutes remain in Kansas as Canada continue to probe but struggling to break down a very well organized US rear-guard.

The US currently playing with ten men as Dike continues to get treatment.

Daryl Dike is now being treated by the US medical team as he seems to have fallen badly and damaged his collar bone

The US are sitting deep and inviting pressure from Canada who despite their neat build-up play have still yet to go close to scoring as Buchanan goes close and sees his shot drift wide of Turner's post.

18,467 is the attendance for this evening's game in Kansas City.

Subs for the US: Yueill and Hoppe on for Busio and Zardes.

We're back underway in Kansas City as Canada make two changes: Hoilett and Piette are off with Kaye and Pasher the changes.

The 1000th Gold Cup goal has just been scored in Frisco !

Water break time at the Children's Mercy Park as 20' remain on the clock.

Lucas Cavallini has looked bright since coming on and the former Naconal man is clipped close to the box and Canada earn a free-kick. The ball drifts in and eventually the US side clear the danger.

US still ahead in possession but Canada look like the side with more drive and initiative currently as they search for the equalizer that would see them advance as group leaders should the game end tied

Piette does well for Canada beating two men in red and clue but lacks composure with the resulting shot and drives the ball high and wide.

Buchannan fouls Vines and the US win a dangerous freekick close to the by-line. Sebastian Lletget takes and swings the ball in but Canada stopper Crepeau does well to snatch the ball.

Another change for the US as goalscorer Moore leaves the action with Boavista's Reggie Cannon his replacement

Cyle Larin is the next player to have developed a problem as the Besiktas man limps from the pitch and looks to be in trouble. Lucas Cavallini set to replace the striker.

Lareya breaks for Canada and trips over himself in the US box

Canada corner but the Canucks fail to avail of the dead ball situation. Decent start from the men in white. A draw for Canada would be good enough to see them pass to the next stage as group leaders.

Error from Pines as he gives the ball away on the edge of the box but Canada fail to take advantage of the gift. Larin failed to really test the US keeper with the effort though.

Both sides take their position and we're about to get started... Canada to start the second half.

Plenty of Sporting KC shirts on display tonight at the Children's Mercy Park as we await the teams to take to the pitch for the second half. In Frisco in the other Group B game, Haiti lead Martinique 0-1.

It's been a stop-start affair with the first 20-25 minutes of action somewhat interrupted with injured players. Shaq Moore's early goal is enough to see the USMNT take the lead and as things stand, top Group B with nine points.

Vines and Sebastian Lletget have been the standout players for the US this evening as the Mexican match official calls time on the half. The quickest goal in the history of the Gold Cup is the difference between both sides with Tenerife's Moore on target.

Canada are full of endeavor and industry but it's their final ball that lets the Canucks down as we will have three minutes of added time.

Into the final five minutes of the half and Canada have shaken off their lethargy as the try to look to both flanks to mount attacks on the US goal. Still no way through for the men in white and Matt Turner still enjoying a placid evening.

LA Galaxy's Sebastian Lletget has been excellent so far this evening with the central player instrumental in all the creative play for the US.

We hit the 30 minute mark and Matt Turner in the US goal has been a virtual spectator with the Canadian side failing to test the NE Revs stopper.

The US lead in terms of possession and on the scoreboard through Shaq Moore's 26th second opener.

Toronto FC player Osorio finally comes on for the injured Akinola.

Akinola is still on the pitch as Canada are struggling to secure a foothold in the game. Berhalter's men in very much in charge.

Play held up again as Akinola pulls up and the game is halted. The Toronto FC striker will be switched by the Canadian coach as we pause for a hydration break.

Very much a stop-start feel to the early stages of the match tonight with little flow to the action.

Another delay as Akinola is on the ground and seems to be in trouble.The Canada No. 20 was clipped by Pines and once again the Canadian physio team is called into action.

Pines set to take Zimmerman's place. The No 4 plays for DC United.

The US very mush the side in the ascendancy in the opening 15 minutes and Greg Berhalter's side buoyed by the early goal. Not looking good for Zimmerman with the Nashville SC player set to be switched.

No spot kick for Canada and we're back underway again.

Zimmerman too is being treated and seems to have a problem with his shin.

The Toronto FC man is in trouble and needs medical attention as the Mexican referee talks to the VAR booth.

Call for a penalty for Canada as Laryea is clipped by Zimmerman in the box.... VAR to take a look

As things stand... Group B live table

Canada tonight in their all white away kit with the US in their new-ish red and blue striped effort with blue shorts.

A significant setback for Les Rouges who saw how the US split the Canadian defense open with three passes needed for Shaq Moore to drive home from close range.

Goooooool. The US take the lead in 26 seconds and it's Moore who taps home from close range to open the scoring

Off we go in Kansas Cty...

Tonight's match official is Mexican Andonai Escobedo

The teams are on the Children's Mercy Park with kick-off imminent

Both the USA and Mexico started as pre-tournament favorites but Canada, Costa Rica and Honduras will all fancy their chances to deliver a surprise.

The game will be underway in 5 minutes of so despite the published time of a 5pm (ET) start time

It's a hot evening in Kansas City with a current temperature of 29 C / 81F.

Big crowd in the Children's Mercy Park for tonight's Group B climax as both the US and Canada will want to finish on top of Group B

The other Group B game taking place tonight sees Martinique face Haiti with both sides pointless after two games played. That match is taking place at the Toyata Stadium in Frisco and we'll bring you the half and full time score.

Pre-match analysis: Greg Berhalter (US coach) First of all, I'm really happy that Canada’s in the final qualifying group,” said Berhalter in Saturday’s matchday -1 press conference. “They've done a great job of getting to this point, and I'm not happy because I want to face them, I'm happy for the group, for the players. It's a lot of players that we're familiar with, we’ve got a lot of respect for those guys. It's been nice seeing them grow over the last five years, and they've arrived to this point and I think it's a good team.”

Pre-match analysis: John Herdman (Canada coach) “It is a big match against USA and the boys will be all in. The first part of our mission was qualification to the Quarterfinals which we achieved, so now the next part of the mission will be to win the group and we will be focused on that heading into an exciting match against USA".

Costa Rica or Jamiaca awaits Canada and the US in the quarter final stage of the Gold Cup with both sides probably anxious to avoid the stronger fancied Ticos from Central America.

Here's how the Group B table looks ahead of the final games tonight

Both Canada and the United States have an 100% record with two wins from two in their Gold Cup opening games with The Canucks topping Group B by virtue of goals scored.

Canada bagged four goals in their wins over Martinique and Haiti respectively and a theoretically easier quarter-final tie will be the prize for the side that tops the group.

Gregg Berhalter's men go into the game as the fancied side with the US unbeaten against their neighbors from the North in their past four Gold Cup encounters. Historically the US are the stringer side having won 15 clashes between both nations and only losing 11. Nine meetings between the USNMT and Canada have ended all square.

'Les Rouges' start with the following XI:

First up, the team news....The US side:

As has been the case with all Group B games, tonight's action takes place at Children's Mercy Park, home to MLS side Sporting KC and starts at 5pm ET/2300 CEST.

Hello and a very warm welcome to tonight's coverage of the final Group B game as the United States face Canada with top spot in the group on the line.

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thisissoccer · 3 years

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soccer olympic games tokyo 2021

Men's and women's soccer is underway at the Tokyo Olympics Games Getty Images Soccer has begun at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic games. Both the men's and women's competition consist of a group stage which comprises groups of four teams which will play a round robin style opening stage. The men's competition has four groups while the women's side has three, but for both competitions the group stage will end with eight teams advancing into the quarterfinals, with the chase for gold becoming a single elimination tournament from that point on.

Both tournaments promise to be exciting competitions full of unlikely upsets, dramatic moments with plenty of surprises along the way. Check out the standings below, and be sure to keep up with who is on track to advance, as well as complete schedule and results until a winner is crowned.

With three fencers ranked in the world’s top 10, the U.S. men figured to have someone reach the podium in Monday’s foil competition at Makuhari Messe Hall B. But their day ended quickly.

Second-ranked Gerek Meinhardt, who watched his wife, Lee Kiefer, win gold in women’s foil the night before, had trouble putting his point on target while falling in the round of 32. Fifth-ranked Alexander Massialas lost in the same round, making too many errors in his bout.

The youngest member of the team, 21-year-old Nick Itkin of Los Angeles, defeated Anton Borodachev of the Russian Olympic Committee team, but ran into trouble with Borodachev’s brother, Kirill, in the round of 16. Trailing 14-13, he gambled with a fleche maneuver, throwing himself at his opponent, but started a little too far away, leaving Borodachev room to make a defensive parry and score the winning touch.

“I feel like I didn’t show all my best fencing, but it’s definitely an exciting, good experience for my first time,” Itkin said of his Olympic debut.

Also on Tuesday, veteran Mariel Zagunis reached the quarterfinals of the women’s sabre, losing to Sofia Velikaya of the ROC team.

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thisissoccer · 3 years

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England vs italy soccer 2021

England's long wait for a major trophy goes on after Gareth Southgate's side saw their Euro 2020 dreams end in a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy. The nation was at a standstill for the Three Lions' biggest match in 55 years and Luke Shaw's early stunner at a rocking Wembley had fans dreaming that football would be coming home rather than going to Rome. But Italy wrested control of Sunday's final and deservedly levelled through Leonardo Bonucci, with the match going to extra-time and on to spot-kicks after it ended 1-1. England boss Southgate failed with the key effort in the Euro 96 semi-final loss to Germany and Wembley witnessed another gutting shoot-out loss in the country's first ever European Championship final. Jordan Pickford denied Andrea Belotti and Jorginho, but Marcus Rashford hit the post before fellow substitutes Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were denied as Italy won the shoot-out 3-2 to make sure of silverware.

You can follow all the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s blog below...

Leyton Orient ban fan for racist abuse

Leyton Orient have banned a supporter for three years following the racist abuse directed at England players after Sunday’s Euro 2020 Final.

An Orient statement said: “The club has today issued a three-year banning order to a supporter, following reports of racist abuse following last night’s Euro 2020 Final.

“As the club has repeatedly made clear, we take a zero-tolerance approach to any racist abuse or discrimination.

“Further to the banning order, the supporter will be fully refunded the purchase for their season card for the 2021-22 season.

“The club is extremely proud of its diverse history, and continues to work with local authorities and governing bodies to enact change.”

Italy claimed a first European Championship since 1968 after goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved twice in a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory in the Euro 2020 final against England at Wembley on Sunday.

After a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, Donnarumma saved from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka -- Marcus Rashford also missed by hitting a post with his spot-kick -- to give Roberto Mancini's team glory in London.

- Marcotti: Mancini promised Italy changes and delivered - Olley: England's penalty-shootout demons return - Euro 2020 on ESPN: Latest news, features, video - Euro 2020 on ESPN: Stream LIVE games and replays (U.S. only)

Andrea Belotti and Jorginho both saw their penalties saved by England's Jordan Pickford, but Donnarumma's stop from Saka decided the game to hand Italy the title.

"The guys were extraordinary. I don't have words for them, this is a magnificent group. There were no easy games and this one became very difficult, but then we dominated," Italy boss Mancini said.

"You need a bit of luck with penalties and I'm a little sorry for England. This team has grown so much, I think it can still improve. We are so happy for all."

England had taken the lead inside two minutes when Luke Shaw, on the eve of his 26th birthday, scored the quickest-ever European Championship final goal after one minute and 57 seconds.

But Italy, unbeaten in 33 games ahead of this final, took the game to extra-time when Leonardo Bonucci equalised on 67 minutes.

Having been outplayed early in the game, Italy grew in strength with coach Roberto Mancini making greater use of his substitutions than his England counterpart Gareth Southgate, who sprung a tactical surprise before the game.

Southgate made one change to his starting team from the semifinal win against Denmark by selecting Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier ahead of Arsenal's Saka, enabling his side to play with a three-man defence.

That tactical switch allowed Shaw and Trippier to play as advanced wing-backs and the plan paid dividends inside the opening two minutes when Shaw opened the scoring with his first international goal.

The Manchester United defender started the move in his own half by passing to Harry Kane before sprinting towards the Italy penalty area. Kane, meanwhile, moved the ball to Trippier on the right flank and the former Tottenham full-back delayed his cross long enough for Shaw to arrive at the far post and score with a half-volley past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

England maintained their impressive start, with Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips controlling the midfield for Southgate's team, but Italy grew into the game in the closing stages of the first-half.

Although chances were limited, Federico Chiesa went close with a low left-foot shot from 20 yards which flew narrowly wide of the England post shortly before half-time.

Chiesa's near miss proved a warning of what was to come in the second-half, with Italy dominating the game and creating a number of chances before Bonucci levelled the scores halfway through the second-half.

Lorenzo Insigne sent a 20-yard free kick wide on 50 minutes before England keeper Pickford was forced to dive low to his left to deny Chiesa after a mazy run and shot by the Juventus forward.

Italy's dominance was rewarded, though, when Bonucci scrambled home from close range after England had failed to clear a corner. Bonucci struck from the rebound after Pickford had pushed Marco Verratti's header onto the post.

Southgate attempted to stem the tide for England by replacing Trippier and Rice with Saka and Jordan Henderson, but Italy continued to dictate the play and remained the team in control for the remainder of the 90 minutes and opening period of extra-time.

Aside from a 30-yard Federico Bernardeschi free kick on 117 minutes, which was spilled by Pickford, clear chances were limited as the game drifted towards the end of extra-time and penalties.

Kane was devastated to have come so close, only to come up short in front of the home fans.

"We got off to the perfect start, maybe dropped a little bit too deep. When you score that early it's easy to try to soak up the pressure and try to hold on to that, and that's probably what happened," Kane said.

"They had a lot of the ball, they had a lot of possession, but to be fair we looked fairly in control, they didn't create too many chances, and then obviously they got their breakthrough."

Kane was quick to commiserate with Rashford, Sancho and Saka, all of whom missed in the shootout.

He said: "You've got to hold your heads up high. A fantastic tournament and these things can happen, a penalty shootout, you go through your process and you put it where you want to put it, but anyone can miss a penalty -- we win together and we lose together."

England were playing in a first major final in 55 years since winning the 1966 World Cup. This was their latest heartache in shootouts at major tournaments, after defeats in 1990, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2006 and 2012.

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