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Post by usasoccerboy on Jul 29, 2021 14:24:37 GMT -6
Three hours till kickoff for USAMNT’s semifinal matchup with Qatar on Fox Sports 1. That game will be played in Austin, TX and be followed by Canada vs. Mexico.
I would not be surprised if Qatar win as the Reigning Asian champions as they look to be unbeatable. They are a very entertaining team to watch and may have the best player in the tournament. If you are unfamiliar, I would check out the pregame stuff on fox and get acquainted with a team that is fun to watch.
Team USA is using a young lineup of mostly reserve players and they are growing up fast and getting some great experience. Win or lose, Berhalter got these new players some valuable playing time that should pay dividends down the road. Berhalter will have his work cut out for him to field a lineup that can slow Qatar down since Qatar have scored the most goals of the tournament so far.
Mexico played well in their quarterfinal matchup with Honduras, but in group play, fans were upset with Mexico’s goal production. They will need another good night of play to deal with a tough and resilient Canada. Houston should see a very pro Mexico crowd, but they better be careful with their chants as FiFa will be watching them closely.
Canada is looking like it may finally have a World Cup team. They played the yanks to a stalemate after giving up a goal in group play after 20 seconds. They have two players out after yellow card suspension as well as their best players not being available for this gold cup roster which tells you that they will be deeper than they are now when WC qualifying begins in two months. Canada can beat Mexico, but they have to play their best game.
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Post by usasoccerboy on Jul 29, 2021 18:17:42 GMT -6
First Half. 0-0
Starting lineup is the same as the quarterfinal against Jamaica. Berhalter maybe a bit pig headed for this. Or maybe he is patiently a genius. We will see. I do not thinks this kind of effort can win a final.
Deekay experiment is a bust
Vines needs better cleats as he is having trouble staying on his feet.
Officiating is suspect.
USA has more possession. Qatar has the better chances.
USA gold cup team needs to work on set pieces.
Qatar falls down anytime the USA touches them.
USA forwards are having a hard time getting service from our back lines. No link up from the midfield.
I love the facial and expressions Hoppe plays with.
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Post by usasoccerboy on Jul 29, 2021 19:30:06 GMT -6
USA 1 Qatar Final Gyasi Zardes 85th min.
Much better second half from the USA. Kept the possession, produced lots of chances. Kept Qatar off the board, but not by first escaping a penalty kick on a slight take down in our box where once again, Qatar was flopping every time they got touched. Berhalter made the right subs and when they came on, they all produced. Turner is my man of the match.
Stu Holden was right in his analysis. He is calling a good Gold Cup.
10 minutes plus of extra time? Come on Costa Rican ref!
It will be another dramatic final. Why few of you seem to be watching is beyond me. This summer has been fantastic for team USA. These young players seem to be getting more playing for the gold cup than an insignificant Olympics.
Bring on Mexico … or Canada in Las Vegas. If Mexican fans do what they did in Denver in the Nations Cup Final, cops need to crack some skulls.
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Post by usasoccerboy on Jul 29, 2021 21:07:44 GMT -6
Mexico 1 Canada 0 half
Canada produced some good shots on the Mexican goal, but Mexico played their stereotypical quick passing game and got a PK right around the 45th minute. The two teams clashed on the sideline before Mexico converted the penalty. This game is a nasty battle and Canada are struggling to keep up with Mexico’s fast pace. Hopefully they can regroup and get an equalizer. Mexican fans continue their homophobic chants.
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Post by usasoccerboy on Jul 29, 2021 22:30:27 GMT -6
Mexico 2 Canada 1.
Canada battled and had the better run of play in the second half, but this game was a fight as both clubs got into it. Mexico got the winning goal deep into extra time. The refs called for 7 minutes, but we went 15 minutes extra, because both teams started fighting after Herrera’s game winner. Canada are going to want pay back. This game was a battle. Canada are marking their calendars to the next game. Mexico was lucky to win tonight as Canada looked better.
The ref had to stop the game because of Mexico’s homophobic chants. I hope they take all fans away from Mexico’s World Cup games. Fifa has already taken their first two from them.
So once again, it will be Mexico vs USA in the final. I have seen this too many times. The USA will want to play well, but will be decimated by the lack of American support in their own country and Mexico will come out on top. Berhalter needs to change his lineup so we do not start so slow like the last two games.
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Post by usasoccerboy on Jul 30, 2021 4:09:51 GMT -6
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