You are here: Home / Archives for International

No USA in World Cup 2018

October 12, 2017 by Leave a Comment

    No USA in World Cup 2018, sounds wrong, right?

For the first time ever since 1986, the American team will not be a part of the World Cup. The US men’s soccer team played but lost their chance to go to Russia for the 2018 World Cup after a shocking loss against Trinidad and Tobago. The American men’s national soccer team ends up only as spectators during the World Cup in Russia after a shocking loss of 2-1 to Trinidad and Tobago, Tuesday night, on the hexagonal group stage’s final match.

The US’ losing to Trinidad and Tobago, in addition to the winning goal of Panama against Costa Rica, earned the Panamanians their third and final direct spot in for the 2018 World Cup after they successfully eliminated Bruce Arena’s team. The Hondurans earned the fourth spot after defeating Mexico. Seeing the results of all the other CONCACAF games, where Honduras earned, Mexico and Panama with 2 and Costa Rica 1 win, the USA needed only to draw in order to qualify.

Although this was the result of unlikely results from both their game play and the Panamanian win three days ago, people can say that with what happened, the Americans could only blame themselves. The American team has clearly wasted the strong position they hold with their appalling performance this year. The defensive mistakes these qualifying rounds were hard to swallow but the offense was shut down many times also. The midfield doesn’t spark enough pressure and the set plays the ball doesn’t reach any point of danger to the opposing team giving no sting in the attacking third.

However, after the USA went down 2-0 and the team got a goal courtesy of Christian Pulisic, the US team failed to get one more goal they need. The American team could not come back from having two goals down and the game ended with a shocking loss that cost their qualifying campaign for the World Cup in Russia. For the first time in 30 years, the Americans are not playing in the World Cup series.

This was certainly one of the most shocking nights in all of American soccer history. In order for the US team to miss out entirely in the World Cup finals, it would take the most improbable combination of results and for the first time since 30 years ago, this is exactly what happed in the US’s game against Trinidad and Tobago.

Bruce Arena himself owned this massive failure in his statement. After the game, the US team’s coach Bruce Arena said that they did not qualify for the World Cup. It was his job to help the team get qualified for the World Cup. He also viewed the game to be positioned for the US team. They somehow failed and they have no more excuses. They should also have walked off the field with a point.

After ending as the bottom team of the Hexagonal group, the US team needed an equalizer, a help from other teams. The US team was hoping for a favor from the Mexican team for the American team saving them from disaster four years ago. This did not happen, however, since Mexico lost to Honduras 3-2.

The loss is a dismal end and a significant setback for the country’s sports progress. This was also a sure end for some of the team’s senior players. Even more, the future of the United States Soccer Federation, Sunil Gulati, is definitely in an uncertain circumstance. The worst of all, it is a shame that US Men’s Team will be absent in the 2018 World Cup.
Try this video below
No USA in World Cup 2018, wake me up if I am dreaming…. TIME To Rebuild !


Filed Under: International Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

WNT Comeback Victory Vs Brazil

August 2, 2017 by Leave a Comment

WNT comeback victory vs Brazil was one of the biggest

wins in US soccer history.

The USA women’s team acquires a huge comeback victory vs. Brazil last Sunday at the Qualcomm Stadium during the 2017 Tournament of Nations. They were able to overcome a 3-1 deficit during the final 10 minutes of the game, resulting to them beating Brazil, 4-3. This huge success is due to their excellent teamwork and commitment in training. Samantha Mewis atleast got the USA level on the 18th minute with a 22 yard strike to keep the US in the game, assisted by Rapinoe.

The comeback began with Christen Press making a goal during the 80th minute, just 2 minutes after Andressinha of Team Brazil scored a free kick. She has exerted great effort in order to turn her defender around and using her right foot, she shot to the upper left corner, passing the goalkeeper of Brazil, Barbara. This is Press’s 2nd goal of the year and 43rd international goal as a professional soccer player.

5 minutes later, an equalizer was delivered by Megan Rapinoe with the assistance of Press. Rapinoe has not scored for the national team since the World Cup that has occurred back in 2015 and she has been recovering from knee injury last year. Nevertheless, she was able to rebound this season by leading the league with 12 goals. Julie Ertz also tucked away a goal on a deflection during the 89th minute, giving way for the team’s first lead in the game.

Although the game did not began smoothly for the USA women’s team, during the final 10 plus minutes, there has been a significant 180° changed on how the members of the team played and this played a very vital role in the team’s success. With that, Jill Ellis’s team was able to avoid losing for the 4th time this year. Of course, Coach Ellis has also played an important role with her moving Sauerbrunn from her usual spot at the center back to the defensive midfielder.

On the other hand, prior to the team’s victory, they fell 1-0 to Australia. Australia’s team has not won any of the 27 matches that has previously occurred against U.S. So, this can also be considered an achievement in their part. The goal was made thank to Tameka Butt who lashed the ball past Naecher after Egmond flicked the ball towards him during the 67th minute of the game.

Australia has led the Tournament of Nations after their 4-2 win against Japan during the first game of the day. Nevertheless, due to this win of the USA women’s team, they still have the chance to go for the tournament title. All of the 4 teams would be heading to the North to conclude the competition. So, they don’t have much time to celebrate for their success since they need to continue practicing for their upcoming game vs. Japan while the Australian team would be competing with Brazil on the 3rd of August at the StubHub Center. In order for the US women’s team to win, they need to defeat Japan and Brazil needs to defeat Australia. That way, the 3-goal difference would be overturned. After WNT comeback victory vs Brazil, now on to Japan Aug 3rd, tune in for the drama and excitement.

Filed Under: International Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

US Wins 2017 Gold Cup

July 29, 2017 by Leave a Comment

US wins 2017 Gold Cup, and gives US soccer fans a sense of pride and excitement.

The US team are on a roll, undefeated in last 14 matches under Coach Bruce Arena.

Here is a little history over the last couple years in the world of USMNT soccer.

In 2015, CONCACAF Cup playoff determined the region’s entry to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. At the Rose Bowl, the U.S team were defeated 3-2 by Mexico. In 2016, summer, U.S. played as hosts of Copa America Centenario. They topped in Group A on a goal against Colombia. The USMNT beat the team Ecuador by 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Unfortunately, they fell to Colombia and Argentina 4-0 and again, 1-0 in the third place match. The team finished fourth at the Copa America, trying their best like in 1995.

They had successive losses to Costa Rica and Mexico in opening the games of final qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Bruce Arena replaced the place of Klinsmann as the national team coach. He coached the first two game in 2017 against Serbia and Jamaica. World Cup qualification was resumed on March 24. Arena and the USMNT had a record of a 6-0 win over Honduras. After winning over Honduras, the team traveled to play in Panama City, had a result of a drawing score of 1-1 over Panama. Then, they beat Tobago and Trinidad by 2-0. U.S. got their third World Cup Qualification result. When they play against Mexico and drew a score of 1-1. July 2017, USMNT won their sixth CONCACAF Gold Cup by a 2-1 win over Jamaica in the finals.

The victory marks the Sixth CONCACAF Gold Cup for the United State of America, where Bruce Arena became the first coach to win the competitions on three Gold Cups. Before halftime, Michael Bradley the captain was fouled 30 yards from goal. To ensure a free kick, one of the members, Altidore, stepped up and curled. It is a brilliant effort to defeat the Jamaican team before squeezing past Miller and attained a 1-0 score on the lead until the United States won the game 2-1 over Jamaica with Jordan Morris finishing strike and another Tim Howard great performance.

As the winner, United States will play against the soon to be winners of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the year 2019. It is one match playoff to know what team is qualified for the 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup. If ever the United States men’s national soccer team wins the 2019 Gold Cup, they automatically qualify for the Confederations Cup. US wins 2017 Gold Cup, on to now qualify for World Cup 2018.




Filed Under: International Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

US MNT That Much Closer To World Cup 2018

June 14, 2017 by Leave a Comment

US MNT that much closer to World Cup 2018 qualifying, acouple more wins and the points will have USA into the WC 2018.  During the CONCACAF’s Final Round for 2018 FIFA, World Cup Qualifying secured a valuable score after the 1 – 1 draw against Mexico. The game happened at Estadio Azteca last June 11, 2017. Every moment of the game was stunning as Michael Bradley made an amazing six-minute chip to secure a defensive performance for USA’s 3rd all-time tie which created an MNT record to 1-8-3 all-time at Azteca.
During the game, the team made a best possible start as Bradley made an outstanding back pass at the mid-field from Javier Fernandez and swiftly drove towards the goal. Then, one of the highlights of the game is when the US soccer team continue to pick the moments to go further during the second half while Mexico together with Hector Herrera cut out his free kick from 30 yards off in the 71st minute.
2018 FIFA World Cup US qualifying against Trinidad & Tobago
on June 8, 2017, the US men’s soccer team continued its quest for them to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia. Trinidad & Tobago at Dick’s Sporting Goods Parks, Commerce City, Colo., the US men’s soccer team move to its 3rd match during the hex and automatically qualified for the next game. Christian Pulisic really made a big difference during the match with two big goals, as the team captured the needed 3 points against T&T, now on to meet the Mexico soccer team at Azteca and pick up the one point tie.
2018 FIFA World Cup US against Ghana and Panama
On July 1, 2017, US men’s soccer team will be having a much-awaited friendly match against Ghana at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut before beginning the 2017 Gold Cup against Panama on July 8, 2017, a hat will be held at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. These next two matches will help the US men’s soccer team to earn great preparation for the World Cup 2018.
Ever since the US men’s soccer team has displayed their prowess in playing soccer as they represent the United States to different international soccer matches. The team is being controlled by United States Soccer Federation and is competing for Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). The team have already hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cups edition and even achieved best results as they reached the prestigious semi-finals of 1930 World Cup.
US men’s soccer team qualified to all 5 World Cups since they had hosted the 1994 World Cup and reached quarter-finals of the 2002 soccer tournament. In 2009, the team became runner-up during the Confederations Cup where they eliminated the top-ranked Spain 2 – 0 during the semi-finals before losing to Brazil in the final round 3 – 2. Currently, Bruce Arena is the team’s head coach since November 2016 who previously managed the soccer team from 1998 to 2006. Two more wins will help the US MNT that much closer to World Cup 2018.

Filed Under: International Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chelsea FC Win EPL 2016-17

May 18, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Chelsea FC Win EPL 2016-17 after dominating most of the season. All of the efforts exerted not only by the players of Chelsea in training hard but also their manager in showing his continuous support for the team seems to have paid off well, when they successfully brought back the championship from winning the EPL this year. This victory of the team allowed them to earn their 5th title in the last 12 years. This is the reason why they are considered to be one of the country’s best team, especially now that they have proven it yet again with their 1-0 score against West Brom.

For this victory of Chelsea, there is no doubt that their manager, Antonio Conte has played a very important role, especially when he brought in Gianluca Spinelli to be their goalkeeping coach. Because of this decision of his, many people, especially the fans of the team has witnessed an improvement in terms of the performances of Thibaut Courtois this season. It was also a great move for the team to have signed N’ Golo Kante, who is known for doing the work of two men and bringing back David Luiz. On the other hand, during their winning run, Chelsea was also able to beat Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Everton and Manchester United and this equaled the record that were set by Arsenal in a single season.

Now, when it comes to the best players of the team for this season, Cesar Azpilicueta is included in the list for he has shown great versatility throughout the entire season, being given 5 position and being able to fulfill his job well. In addition to that, he is also the player who has produced more passes as compared to the other players in the Premier League this season. Apart from Cesar, Eden Hazard, dubbed as Chelsea’s Ronaldo, also showed a great performance. He was dubbed as the 2nd most fouled player in this season. Of course, we should also not forget N’ Golo Kante, who already won the Football Writer’s Association’s Award and the PFA Players’ Player of the Year Award.

On the other hand, the opponents of the team also did their best, although it wasn’t enough for them to be able to return in victory. Nevertheless, we also cannot deny the fact that they have great players as well like Harry Kane of Tottenham and Leroy Sane from Man City. However, although Arsenal do have Mesut Ozil, they have experienced a couple of bad results, especially when they were defeated by Chelsea and Bayern Munich. Also, while Liverpool has been doing a great job on the first half of the season, things have started to go wrong in the latter part of the season, with some of their players becoming injured.

All in all, Chelsea deserves to Win the EPL 2017. Nevertheless, all of the teams who have participated this season deserves to be given a loud applause. After all, they were able to give us a very good game and season overall. On the other hand, with the bar set high, let’s look forward on whether Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Everton, Manchester United and Arsenal would be able to recover next season. Chelsea FC Win EPL 2016-17, can they do it again next year?

Filed Under: English Premier League, International Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

USMNT Way Behind To Qualify For WC 2018

November 19, 2016 by Leave a Comment

usa-vs-mexicoUSMNT way behind to qualify for wc 2018,
and any more ties or losses here forward looks like no Russia 2018 World Cup for US.
2-1 loss for the US vs Mexico in Columbus was not a good start.
The US Men’s National Team battled through an intense match, but succumbed to 4-0 defeat to Costa Rica right in the first qualifier of the Final Round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. Even in the first half the two teams carve out the chances, Johan Venegas, Costa Rica forward, has his header broke the deadlock right in the 44th minute of the game. The US Men’s National Team came out in the second frame of the game looking for the equalizer. On the other hand, as the team pushed forward, the other team was able to take advantage on the multiple occasions.
In the 68th minute of the game, Bolanos finished right before Joel Campbell, a substitute who grabbed a brace in the 74th as well as 78th to cement the victory for the home side right before the crowd at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica.
The US Men’s National team’s defeat brings a very intense end to the 2016 for the US, which is 12-6-1 and was finished 4th at the Copa American Centenario. They finished over its Semifinal Round World Cup Qualifying group to move on to the Hex.
But how much trouble has the team suffered after losing the first two games?
It was very sad news for the US Men’s National Team that they did not get off to a good beginning in the Hex, losing to Mexico and Costa Rica.
There would be 8 different games in the Hex, which would be played for the next 11 months, with different countries in top three that would be automatically be qualified to the World Cup. The 4th place team will face the 5th place team out of Asia right in the playoff for another place in the quadrennial tournament.
Way back four years ago, US Men’s National Team travelled to Honduras for the very first match of the Hex, but they lost 2-1. The team was able to rebound a month after and a half later, thus beating the team Costa Rica with the score of 1-0 in the Snow Game. The team would finish the Hex with 22 points, which is the most of any team during 2014 cycle.

 

Just take a look at this chart and you will see how much trouble the team had.

Points thru 2 games # of teams # to finish 3rd or higher # to finish 4th
6 2 2 0
4 8 5 1
3 6 4 1
2 5 0 1
2 6 4 1
0 3 0 1

Upon seeing the numbers, it is easy to say that the team had zero points from the first two games. Only the team Trinidad & Tobago has successfully qualified for the World Cup right after losing their first two games in the Hex. Though the US Men’s National team has suffered much trouble, they still have the opportunity to prove themselves in the next FIFA World Cup Qualifying. Their loss serves as their motivation to make the most out of the next games. USMNT way behind to qualify for wc 2018, and it will be a miracle if they make it.
UPDATE NOV. 21st 2016 Jurgen Klinsmann FIRED US Coach Bye-Bye

Filed Under: International Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

USA Mens Soccer Team One Step Closer To WC Qualifying

September 10, 2016 by Leave a Comment

christian-pulisic-usa-men-world-cup-qualifyUSA Mens Soccer Team One Step Closer To WC Qualifying,

with two big wins over Trinidad n Tobago and St. Vincent.

September 2, 2016, MNT vs. St. Vincent and the Grenadines were able to fight in FIFA World Cup Qualifying, Semi-final Round 2018 that was held in Arnos Vale Stadium, St. Vincent. With this game, they were able to show great performance.

In spite the fact that the USA has a good performance, this is far good than they expected. At the end of game, MNT took care of the game each department as well as the five minutes spells during the second half. However, home team never feels to bother. With the great performance that they have applied during the game, it is well paid off. They achieved the victory that they were aiming for.

Moreover, Fabina Johnson earned a goal in 29th minute, while Matt Besler in 32nd minute, Jozy Altidore during the 43rd minute, Christian Pulisic in 71ST minute, and Sacha Kljestan in 78the minutes.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

The USA men’s soccer team competition at Semifinal Round in 2018 world Cup made it to finishes first and able to become a qualifying team with a score 4-0 Vs. Trinidad & Tobago. USA men’s soccer team use the brace from one of their team member Jozy Altidore, while Sacha Kljestan served as a goalkeeper, and when it comes to earning a hard-fought, Paul Arriola. With the great performance that they have shown, they were able to get the triumph against Trinidad & Tobago last September 6, 2016, with a score of 4-0. The win impelled the MNT to top spot in the Group C in Semi-final Round World Cup Qualifying in CONCACAF and the berth in Final Round starting in November.

During the first half of the game, the leading player Christian Politic forces a diving to stop out the Trinidad &Tobago team’s goalkeeper Marvin Philip in 9 minutes before Christian Pulisic and Marvin Philip, they careened in a shot off on the same posts in 31st.

Moreover, the MNT go into a break empty-handed that has a great collaboration between, Kljestan, Pulisic, and Fabian Johnson lead to failing in T&T clearance before the Kljestan suppressed inside the right post in forty-four minutes.

With the goal in bank, floodgates released for MNT during the second half. Altidore has made two goals in 59 minutes and 62 minutes, while Clint Dempsey was able to become a leading scorer due to his fast moving in World Cup Qualifying. During the second half, Paul Arriola substitute and increased the lead and suppressing a close-range and rebound off with an effort of Pulisic in 71 minutes.

While on the defensive side, US Team has their back line that is kept on its 8th clean sheet of the year, and Tim Howard earned 5 saves in order to have his 37th profession shout out.

Overall, the victory shows that the US have finished the game with a score of 4-11 record as well as being top in Group C of Semi-final Round in  CONCACAF Qualifying for 2018 FIFA World Cup.

USA Mens Soccer Team one step closer to WC qualifying,  now finish it boys……

Filed Under: International Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

US Women’s Soccer Team In Rio 2016

August 10, 2016 by Leave a Comment

USWNT Rio 2016

US Women’s Soccer Team In Rio 2016 ready to win it ALL.

The women’s soccer competition for the Rio Brazil Olympics opened on Aug 3rd and ends Aug 19th in the gold medal game. The games would be plated in 6 cities and in 7 stadiums. Among the teams that would be competing for the title, the USA women’s soccer team is one of the most anticipated ones. This is because they are the reigning champions for the World Cup and this time, they are aiming to win the title for the 4th consecutive time. If they won in the Olympics, then they would be creating a new history for being the first team to have both titles at the same time.

Well, it is not impossible for them to achieve it, as they have the top players in the world Lloyd, Morgan, Heath, Dunn, and the whole Defense, Klingenberg, O’hare, Sauerbrunn, Johnston, Krieger and Hope Solo on their team. Also, in the last 2 Olympic finals, it was Lloyd who was able to score the winning goal. Also, all these time, they have been doing a great job in the position they have given.

As expected, Lloyd shows great enthusiasm in the game and she was also the one who made it possible for the USA soccer team to earn their first goal with her perfect arcing shot. They became the leading team with the score 1-0. As the game continues, Alex Morgan was able to contribute another goal for the team, which has been the last goal of the game. As a result, team USA won with a score of 2-0. The game has been a great start for the team and has been a great news for their fans, both those who have been watching the game live in Brazil and in their own home.

Unfortunately, Megan Rapinoe was not able to play in the field as her right knee has been injured and is still recovering. Some said that her absence in the game can be felt, especially during the times when the American team had a hard time launching an attack against their opponent, New Zealand. Also, Hope Solo has received jeering from the public but who cares? What matters the most is that they were able to win the game.

Based on their performance, one can see that they have remained positive and active throughout the entire game. They also did not have a hard time acquiring victory, with Morgan and Lloyd who contributed the most. They have also become more comfortable during the second half as they were able to acquire two goals, making it quite difficult for New Zealand to beat them.

There have been no goals allowed in the first two games and Columbia ended in a 2-2 draw.  By seeing how great they have played the game, it would not be impossible for them to win the gold medal. They just need to continue on doing a great job. Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro was able to win in the bidding process for the Olympic Games this year.

US Women’s Soccer Team In Rio 2016 ready to win it ALL.

UPDATE : AUGUST 12TH   TEAM USA LOST TO SWEDEN IN PENALTY KICKS

FIRST TIME IN OLYMPIC SOCCER HISTORY USA WOMEN WILL NOT MEDAL

SHOCKING !!!!!        TIME TO RETOOL FOR WORLD CUP 2019


Filed Under: International Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Euro 2016 France Vs Portugal

July 8, 2016 by Leave a Comment

portugal euro 2016 ronaldoEuro 2016 France Vs Portugal the final is in place.

The Euro Tournament is now taking over the playoff world. For the upcoming finals, the fight will be between the team from Portugal and the other is coming from the hosting country France.

The team of France fights against Iceland for the quarter finals with the final score of 5-2 in favor of team from the hosting country. The fight between the tow was also a spectacular game. Iceland gave off an incredible fight in this tournament as well. Many were even disappointed for they were cheering for this team. After this, France was able to qualify the tournament’s finals after beating in the semi-finals match the defending champion which is the Germany. It was one of the most intense battle for this year’s tournament. The final score was 2-0 of course in favor of France.

As for the Portugal, they were the first team to come through in the quarter-finals beating the representatives from Poland via shoot-out win. They have battled with Wales in the semi-finals. The score in favor of Portugal was 2-0. The team was lead to victory by non-other than Cristiano Ronaldo. He and Nani were able to score in quite a quick succession on the second half of the game.

Though Wales were not able to make it, their performance was very commendable. They have given a very satisfying fight against the Portugal as well as in the previous games.

Portugal and Wales were among the teams who have given fights that satisfy the audience.

While there are great teams and good performances, however there are also those who have played poorly. The Teams from Russia and England were really off their game. No wonder they have not make it to the semi rounds. England was easily outclassed by Iceland in their game as to getting to the final 8 in the tournament. As of Russia, they were not even able to fight for the spot to be fighting for the top 8. Maybe next year they can manage turn the table.

Now that the two contending teams are known, the fight between them is now the most awaited event in the world of football. Bets are now being made and draw. It seems that the favorite to win is the team of France.

The fight is now fast approaching and the fans are already set for one incredible fight between the two. Everyone is ready for the UEFA European Championship finals game 2016. Who will be this year’s champion? Would it be Portugal? Will Cristiano Ronaldo lead his team to victory? Or France will be the one to make it? With just these 2 teams standing after knocking about 22 other teams, who will it be this time? France maybe the crowds favorite but the supporters of Portugal are still believing in their team’s capability. The fight is on. Only one will be the victor in every game. The fans are excited as to how the EURO Tournament 2016 will come to an end.

Euro 2016 France Vs Portugal the final is in place, who will win?

Portugal wins 1-0 in Overtime….. Championship Portugal

Filed Under: International Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

USA Copa America 2016 Final Set

June 23, 2016 by Leave a Comment

argentina 2016 copa americaUSA Copa America 2016 final set Chile will play Argentina for the cup

Sunday June 26th at 7pm CST in East Rutherford. The USA made a good run

challenging all teams they played in the Copa and making it to the final four teams left.

Only to lose to number one world ranked Argentina. But the USA improvement was on

display in the first 4 matches.

The home advantage did nothing against Argentine Lionel Messi’s brilliance as the Argentina advances serenely to finals of Copa America Centenario, 4 – 0, in a match Argentina skillfully controlled from the start to finish.

Argentina will meet Chile in Copa Final and will seek to win their first major title since they claimed the 1993 Copa finals. Lionel Messi’s goal from his stunning free-kick made him the country’s top goal scorer. His 55th goal took him to the spot and cleared of Gabriel Baustuta’s total goal, and he also added 2 assists in game for a very good measure.

But how did Argentina had a clear win over the US? It is because they had Lionel Messi on their side, and US does not. Messi led his team to victory in Copa America semi-final match in NRG Stadium in Houston and basically ended the contest in first half with a goal and an assist. The game wasn’t even as close as indicated four-goal deficit as US didn’t register even a single shot. In addition, the game with ended greatly in favor with Argentina as they have 68% of the possession, and was in complete control from the starting or opening minute.

It was not all Messi who worked for the win of Argentina, but they also have Gonzalo Higuain who scored twice and Ezequiel Lavezi who scored the first goal of the game, as well as the player number 10 who assisted on those goals to make his teammates score. Because of their combined efforts, Argentina reached the championship match with Chile, with a chance to break their extended drought on championship title.

After the loss of USA team, you will clearly see why Argentina is the top team in the world today. While Argentina showed their superiority on Tuesday, the USA team played against them without Jermaine Jones, Alejandro Bedoya and Bobby Wood, who were all suspended from red and yellow cards. Despite their missing personnel, when losing in 4-0 match, you are not talking about anyone not on the field. It is plain and simple: they are really outmatched.

On the other hand, Messi discussed the team’s overall effort in 2016 Copa tournament, per ESPN FC. According to him, it was their goal when they participated in the tournament, to play the finals, and fortunately, they made it. Argentina showed spectacular performance since day one, and they really deserve the finals. Now, Argentina is a step away from the championship title.

Argentina is the top team in official FIFA rankings, and it did not take long to prove why. Lavezzi concealed a header in 3rd minute off a great placed chip pass from Lionel Messi after the Argentina corner to place the US behind 1-0. According to experts, this was the fastest goal the US ever allowed in Copa America. While the US defense didn’t allow a second goal throughout the middle part of first half, they still have trouble in keeping up with the overwhelming skill level of Argentina.

U.S. to face Colombia for Third Place Saturday June 25th 7pm CST U of Phoenix Stadium

USA Copa America 2016 final set, 2-1 Argentina takes the cup



Filed Under: International Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
Next Page »