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Winnipeg Free Press
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
For Canada, the real Gold Cup starts now
Opinion After getting some rest, dressing their wounds and departing the heat of southeast Texas, the Canadian men's national team will shortly get back to doing what they entered the Gold Cup to do. That is, playing football. Ah yes, the football. Twelve days is a long time in summer tournaments — more than half of this present championship — but that's how long it's been since Canada played an actual game against opponents actually interested in playing that game. In that regard, credit to Honduras. They might have lost 6-0 back on June 17, but at least they turned up to play. It's a pretty low bar, and yet neither Curaçao nor El Salvador scaled it in Canada's next two Group B contests. Even worse, they didn't try to. The Curaçao match, which took place at baking Shell Energy Stadium, was less a game of football than a battle of attrition — something Canada should typically avoid. They were bullied by the Caribbean side and lucky to draw 1-1. But there was nothing they could do on Tuesday against El Salvador, who had no interest in passing, dribbling, shooting and tackling — at least tackling fairly. They were out to hurt people, plain and simple, and their thuggery earned them two red cards and a 2-0 defeat. La Selecta left the Gold Cup with zero points, zero goals, three shots on target and 45 fouls. Good riddance. All told, four points from six in scorching Houston, while not ideal, is still a decent return. Head coach Jesse Marsch will have been pleased to see both Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan score against El Salvador, and 21-year-old Niko Sigur continues to impress with his versatility, smarts and tactical nous. Jacob Shaffelburg is also worth a pat on the back for his performances to date. A hypothetical pat, mind, as his entire body must be bruised from the punishment he took on Tuesday. He suffered for the team, for the win, and there is something inspiring in that. Now, as they enter the knockout rounds, Marsch and his players will be hoping the suffering is over, that they can get back to playing an honest 90 minutes against sincere opposition. Well, they're in luck. On Sunday, in the rather more agreeable environment of Minneapolis, Canada will face Guatemala at U.S. Bank Stadium (3:00 p.m., TSN & OneSoccer). It will be their toughest match to date, though not of the sort they encountered back in Houston. Guatemala, while sturdy, are first and foremost a footballing outfit, and a proud one. Speaking to Prensa Libre earlier this month, manager Luis Fernando Tena remarked that his team's recent performances had gained them considerable respect. In another interview, he said — and not for the first time — that he wanted the country to be proud of his squad, win or lose. Well, job done. Under Tena, Guatemala have not only got at least as far as the quarterfinals in successive Gold Cups, but they've also earned promotion to the top tier of the CONCACAF Nations League and advanced to the final stage of 2026 World Cup qualifying. To be clear, he had some work to do in resuscitating Los Chapines' reputation. It wasn't so long ago that the Federación Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala was serving a FIFA suspension for government interference in sporting matters, and in the decade before Tena's appointment they failed to progress beyond a single Gold Cup group stage. It's in that context that Tena wants to showcase what he sees as a revival of Guatemalan football, and his players have so far obliged. D.C. United right-back Aaron Herrera has been especially good this month and will look to contain the energetic Shaffelburg on Sunday. Jonathan Franco, a 21-year-old anchor midfielder, has likely played well enough to earn a transfer from local club Municipal, although he's under contract until 2028. Guatemala's biggest challenge, quite unfortunately, was recently their greatest strength. Goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen, who plays his club football for Columbus Crew, might have been playing himself into the Gold Cup all-star team before sustaining a midweek muscle injury. His replacement, Kénderson Navarro, will make only his third international appearance when he starts against Canada. The assignment for David, Buchanan and Canada's other attacking players, then, would seem to be to shoot early and often and ensure Navarro doesn't become the unlikely hero. It'll help that Stephen Eustáquio is back from the Club World Cup as his teammates have struggled to control the centre of the park in his absence. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Helpful, too, will be the confidence Canada can take from playing a team that doesn't approach the beautiful game like MMA with a ball. Guatemala will be a challenge, but for all the right reasons. For Canada, the real Gold Cup begins now. jerradpeters@ @
Newsweek
a day ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
CONCACAF Gold Cup Futures Odds, Picks: MEX, USA Favored Entering Quarters
Entering Sunday's quarterfinal match vs. Costa Rica, Patrick Agyemang (right) and the USA have 2-to-1 odds to win the Gold Cup, per DraftKings. Entering Sunday's quarterfinal match vs. Costa Rica, Patrick Agyemang (right) and the USA have 2-to-1 odds to win the Gold Cup, per DraftKings. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. While the USA roster participating in this year's CONCACAF Gold Cup hardly resembles the first-choice XI that we'll see in action at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it's no surprise to see the Americans among the favorites to win the Gold Cup. With group play in the books, eight teams are still alive in the final major international tournament before the 2026 World Cup here in the States next summer. Gold Cup Quarterfinal Schedule, Betting Odds Below is the schedule for the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup. Below are the odds via DraftKings, as of June 25, for all four quarterfinal matchups (all times ET): Panama vs. Honduras, Sat., 7:15 p.m. (PAN -145 // Draw +285 // HON +400) Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia, Sat., 10:15 p.m. (MEX -210 // Draw +310 // SA +600) Canada vs. Guatemala, Sun., 4 p.m. (CAN -300 // Draw +390 // GUA +800) USA vs. Costa Rica, Sun., 7 p.m. (USA -170 // Draw +300 // CR +450) The setup of the bracket means the winner of Canada-Guatemala will take on the winner of USA vs. Costa Rica, while the other semifinal matchup will pit the winners of Panama-Honduras and Mexico-Saudi Arabia. Both Gold Cup semifinal matches will take place on Wednesday, July 2 (7 p.m. and 10 p.m.), followed by the Gold Cup final at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday, July 6. CONCACAF Gold Cup Winner Odds Entering QF Odds (DK, BetMGM) Mexico +150 USA +200 Canada +500 Panama +800 Saudi Arabia +1400 Costa Rica +1600 Honduras +2500 Guatemala +5000 DraftKings and BetMGM both expect the Gold Cup to once again come down to a battle between USA and Mexico. In fact, as of June 27, the Gold Cup winner odds for all eight quarterfinalists are identical at the two sportsbooks. Gold Cup Betting Analysis, Picks, Best Bets Anyone familiar with CONCACAF shouldn't be surprised to see that oddsmakers expect one of the three North American powers -- Mexico, USA or Canada -- to win this tournament. USA and Mexico have alternated as tournament winners of the last seven Gold Cups, with El Tri winning in 2023, 2019, 2015 and 2011, while the Americans won in 2013, 2017 and 2021. This year marks the 18th edition of the Gold Cup, with Mexico (9), USA (7) and Canada (1) having won all 17 previous Gold Cups. USA Gold Cup Betting News, Outlook It's an understatement to call the USA squad at this Gold Cup shorthanded. Key pieces who are out include Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson, Sergiño Dest, Yunus Musah, Tim Weah, Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna. Under former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who was hired to replace Gregg Berhalter following a disappointing showing at least year's Copa America on U.S. soil, the young American squad took down Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia and Haiti in Gold Cup group play, but it has been far from dominant. And the less said about how this team looked against Turkey and Switzerland in two pre-Gold Cup friendlies, which extended its losing streak under Pochettino to four matches, the better. Mexico Gold Cup Betting News, Outlook Mexico, like USA, has endured a tumultous last few years, including a group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup and an early elimination from last year's Copa America. But under Manager Javier Aguirre -- who is in his third stint as coach of the Mexican national team -- El Tri emerged from group play as the betting favorite over the USA and Canada after beating the Dominican Rebuplic and Suriname and drawing Suriname in the group stage. Canada Gold Cup Betting News, Outlook Canada is expected to handle Guatemala in the quarters. That would likely set up a must-see Canada-USA clash in the Gold Cup semifinals (assuming USA beats Costa Rica). The Canadians not only reached knockout play in the Copa America last summer, but made it to the semifinals, where they lost to Argentina after knocking off Venezuela in the quarters. Two months ago, Canada lost to Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on March 20, but beat USA 2-1 in the third-place match. Well-known Canadian manager Jesse Marsch has been a vocal critic of US Soccer in recent years, and even without Bayern star Alphonso Davies (who is dealing with a torn ACL), Canada will have the best player on the field in Jonathan David if we do get a USA vs. Canada semifinal matchup. 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Best Bets Mexico's (+150) chance to reach the final without playing either the USA or Canada in the semis makes it the safest bet to win its second straight tournament at the expense of its North American rivals. Playing Panama can be a headache in CONCACAF for any opponent (just ask the USA, which lost to Los Canaleros in the semifinals of the 2023 Gold Cup and again in group play during the 2024 Copa America), but I do like Mexico to find a way past Panama if those two meet in the Gold Cup semifinals. Panama might be a tempting longshot in that one, though, after three decisive wins in group play, including a 4-1 beatdown of Jamaica on Tuesday night. But if I have to give a pick and a best value play, I'm going with Mexico as the pick (1 unit) and Canada as the best longshot/value play at +500 (0.25 units) -- Panama is not getting enough respect, but I'm not quite willing to back them to get through El Tri. The Canadians have given the full-strength versions of USA plenty of trouble in recent years, and I expect Marsch to have his side ready to pounce on this uninspiring version of the USMNT. I'd love to be wrong, but USA has just not been good enough lately, and this squad does not have anything resembling the talent advantage it typically boasts. With that in mind, fading this American side under Pochettino is the right move until we're proven otherwise. Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up through the links in this article. See the sportsbook operator's terms and conditions for important details. Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Competition should stiffen for unproven Americans in CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Matt Freese's gaffe that cost the U.S. the lead in a CONCACAF Gold Cup group play finale drew a reaction from coach Mauricio Pochettino that Americans can apply to the rest of their last competitive test before next year's World Cup. 'Move on,' Pochettino said of the goalkeeper's botched clearing attempt before Patrick Agyemang's tiebreaking 75th-minute goal in a 2-1 victory over Haiti on Sunday night. 'Remember, the most important action is the next one,' Pochettino said. 'If you think in the last one like that, you're going to do another mistake. This type of accident happened, and it will happen it the future.' The immediate future for the U.S. after a 3-0 run through Group D is a quarterfinal against Costa Rica or Mexico next weekend. Either way, the opponent will be ranked higher than any of th group opponents. The U.S. ended a four-match losing streak by beating No. 100 Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in its Gold Cup opener, followed by a 1-0 victory over 58th-ranked Saudi Arabia . Haiti is No. 83. 'The confidence level is super high,' said Brenden Aaronson, who assisted on Malik Tillman's goal that opened the scoring in the 10th minute. 'I mean, nine points from three games. We've had two shutouts and another win today against a good Haiti team. I think we're really flying at the moment. Now we have a week to prepare, which we haven't had for any team.' Still, the play has been uneven from what amounts to a B team of mostly young and unproven players and A team backups. Several of the usual stars and starters sat out for personal reasons, injuries or playing in the Club World Cup. Missing the tournament for the U.S. are regulars Christian Pulisic , Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest . 'We were not a clinic with the chances that we had,' Pochettino said of the Haiti win. 'I think we should have scored more.' Freese blundered when took a back pass from Tim Ream and tried to play the ball to John Tolkin with his left foot. The ball went straight to Louicius Don Deedson, who took a touch and scored inside the far post for a 1-1 tie in the 19th minute. The unsightly moment did nothing to dissuade Pochettino, who suggested his decision to go with Freese over Matt Turner will continue in this Gold Cup. The coach thought Freese followed orders by moving on. 'Continues to build me up,' Freese said of Pochettino. 'That's something I really appreciate. Very grateful for the opportunity. I just want to help the team win as much as I can.' The U.S. won its group for the 17th time in 18 Gold Cups. The Americans have 43 wins, one loss and five draws in group play, going 3-0 for the seventh time. Still, a four-match losing streak punctuated by a Switzerland's 4-0 blowout in the final Gold Cup tune-up is a not-very-distant memory. 'To be the best, you've got to beat the best,' Freese said. 'I think always continuing to push ourselves and play against harder teams and show what we can do and learn from it and continue to grow as a group ahead of a big summer next summer is an opportunity we're all looking forward to. We want to continue to move on.' ___ AP soccer:
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Competition should stiffen for unproven Americans in CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Matt Freese's gaffe that cost the U.S. the lead in a CONCACAF Gold Cup group play finale drew a reaction from coach Mauricio Pochettino that Americans can apply to the rest of their last competitive test before next year's World Cup. 'Move on,' Pochettino said of the goalkeeper's botched clearing attempt before Patrick Agyemang's tiebreaking 75th-minute goal in a 2-1 victory over Haiti on Sunday night. 'Remember, the most important action is the next one,' Pochettino said. 'If you think in the last one like that, you're going to do another mistake. This type of accident happened, and it will happen it the future.' The immediate future for the U.S. after a 3-0 run through Group D is a quarterfinal against Costa Rica or Mexico next weekend. Either way, the opponent will be ranked higher than any of th group opponents. The U.S. ended a four-match losing streak by beating No. 100 Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in its Gold Cup opener, followed by a 1-0 victory over 58th-ranked Saudi Arabia. Haiti is No. 83. 'The confidence level is super high,' said Brenden Aaronson, who assisted on Malik Tillman's goal that opened the scoring in the 10th minute. 'I mean, nine points from three games. We've had two shutouts and another win today against a good Haiti team. I think we're really flying at the moment. Now we have a week to prepare, which we haven't had for any team.' Still, the play has been uneven from what amounts to a B team of mostly young and unproven players and A team backups. Several of the usual stars and starters sat out for personal reasons, injuries or playing in the Club World Cup. Missing the tournament for the U.S. are regulars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest. 'We were not a clinic with the chances that we had,' Pochettino said of the Haiti win. 'I think we should have scored more.' Freese blundered when took a back pass from Tim Ream and tried to play the ball to John Tolkin with his left foot. The ball went straight to Louicius Don Deedson, who took a touch and scored inside the far post for a 1-1 tie in the 19th minute. The unsightly moment did nothing to dissuade Pochettino, who suggested his decision to go with Freese over Matt Turner will continue in this Gold Cup. The coach thought Freese followed orders by moving on. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'Continues to build me up,' Freese said of Pochettino. 'That's something I really appreciate. Very grateful for the opportunity. I just want to help the team win as much as I can.' The U.S. won its group for the 17th time in 18 Gold Cups. The Americans have 43 wins, one loss and five draws in group play, going 3-0 for the seventh time. Still, a four-match losing streak punctuated by a Switzerland's 4-0 blowout in the final Gold Cup tune-up is a not-very-distant memory. 'To be the best, you've got to beat the best,' Freese said. 'I think always continuing to push ourselves and play against harder teams and show what we can do and learn from it and continue to grow as a group ahead of a big summer next summer is an opportunity we're all looking forward to. We want to continue to move on.' ___ AP soccer:
Fox Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Tillman and Agyemang goals overcome Freese gaffe, US beats Haiti 2-1 to win CONCACAF Gold Cup group
Associated Press ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Patrick Agyemang scored a tiebreaking goal in the 75th minute, and the United States overcame Matt Freese's goalkeeping gaffe to beat Haiti 2-1 on Sunday night and win its CONCACAF Gold Cup group with a 3-0 record. Malik Tillman put the U.S. ahead in the 10th minute with his third goal of the tournament but Freese, who has displaced Matt Turner, highlighted the Americans' goalkeeping issues a year ahead of the World Cup with a botched clearing attempt that led to Louicius Don Deedson's 19th-minute goal. After Tillman came close three times in the second half, Agyemang scored after taking a long pass from John Tolkin. Agyemang touched the ball past goalkeeper Johny Placide and slotted into an open net for his fifth international goal and second of the tournament. The U.S., which opened with victories over Trinidad and Tobago and invited guest Saudi Arabia, won its group for the 17th time in 18 Gold Cups. The Americans have 43 wins, one loss and five draws in group play, going 3-0 for the seventh time. Using largely a B team in the tournament, the Americans already had clinched a spot in the quarterfinals against Mexico or Costa Rica next weekend. Haiti finished third on goal difference ahead of Trinidad and Tobago, which was eliminated when it wasted a lead in a 1-1 draw as the Saudis. The Gold Cup is the last competitive test for the 16th-ranked Americans ahead of the World Cup. As co-hosts, the U.S., Mexico and Canada get automatic berths. In front of a sparse crowd at the 80,000-seat home of the Dallas Cowboys, one of next year's World Cup venues, Tillman scored his third goal of the tournament when he headed the ball inside the far post from Brenden Aaronson's cross in the 10th minute. Freese blundered when took a back pass from Tim Ream and tried to play the ball to Tolkin with left foot. The ball went straight to Don Deedson, who took a touch and scored inside the far post. American midfielder Tyler Adams started after being slowed by turf toe, among four changes by coach Mauricio Pochettino, and got a yellow card for a late sliding tackle on Duckens Nazon about 25 seconds in. ___ AP soccer: recommended
