Gold Cup 2021 – Inside World Football

Montagliani says Gold Cup has evolved and Concacaf’s old order is facing insurrection

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 06:41:35 +0000

By Paul Nicholson

August 6 – With the Gold Cup having finished in dramatic style after extra time in Las Vegas last Sunday, Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has reflected positively on a tournament that delivered theatre on the pitch and a series of record breaking metrics off it.

For Montagliani the measure of the tournament is primarily “always about what happens on the pitch. We have seen a number of teams rise to the occasion like Canada,

US snatch Gold Cup from Mexico in an extra time Las Vegas thriller

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 12:49:03 +0000

Gold Cup Final: USA 1 Mexico 0 (AET)

August 2 – They say that lightening doesn’t strike twice but in Concacaf it does. Having lost the Nations League final to the US in early June by a goal scored in extra time, Mexico relinquished their Gold Cup title by a goal in extra time scored by Miles Robinson with just three minutes left on the clock.

It was the fifth win by a US team that won five of their six game 1-0 and conceded just once in the tournament.

Herrera shatters Canadian dreams with dramatic last gasp winner to send Mexico to final

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 01:10:00 +0000

Semi-final: Mexico 2 Canada 1

July 29 – In a passionate and feisty display of end-to-end action Mexico squeezed past Canada deep in added time to set up a repeat of the 2019 Gold Cup final against the US in Las Vegas this Sunday.

It was a cruel end to Canada’s Gold Cup run and their dream of taking a full seat at the top table of football in the Concacaf region.

Zardes strike sends US to Gold Cup final. Qatar rue missed chances

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 00:00:52 +0000

Semi-final: USA 1 Qatar 0

By Jhannet Sanchez in Austin, Texas

July 29 – A dramatic late goal by Gyasi Zardes fired the USA into the final of the Gold Cup to be played this Sunday in Las Vegas, sending Asian champions Qatar home wondering what might have been if they had taken their chances.

The very first meeting between Qatar and the took place at the Q2 stadium in Austin,

NRG stadium in Houston and Q2 stadium in Austin sold out for Gold Cup semis

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 03:42:09 +0000

July 29 – Concacaf have the two Gold Cup Semifinal matches, to be played today, July 29, at Q2 Stadium in Austin and NRG Stadium in Houston, sold out.

Qatar vs USA is the first semi in the 22,730 capacity Q2 Stadium in Austin, while 72,200 will be packed into the Mexico vs Canada later in the days.

The final on Sunday, August 1 at the 61,000 capacity Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas is already sold out.

Concacaf and Generation Amazing launch major coach education initiative for region

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 01:35:45 +0000

July 28 – Concacaf have launched a Football for Development initiative in partnership with Generation Amazing, the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee’s legacy programme.

The Gold Cup has seen ties with the Qataris grow stronger. Not only has the Qatar national team reached the semi-finals, but it has fostered a sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways as well as the development initiative for coaching education that Jason Roberts, Concacaf’s director of development, said “will benefit all our members”.

Canada ready to re-order Concacaf hierarchy against Mexico in Houston

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 01:27:36 +0000

July 28 – The Gold Cup semi-finals kick off tonight with Houston’s NRG Stadium hosting a sold-out tie between Mexico and Canada where an upset could be on the cards.

Mexico are defending their title won in 2019, while a fast-improving Canada are looking to establish themselves as a major force in the Concacaf region. To do that Canada need to take a big scalp – Mexico’s would be the biggest statement they could make.

USA vs Qatar: Will the guests spoil the host’s party?

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 01:20:10 +0000

July 28 – The Asian Champions Qatar face the USA in the first semi-final of the Gold Cup tonight at the newly minted Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.

It is a major inter-continental between showdown between the Asian Cup winners and the inaugural Concacaf Nations League winners.

The US will start as favourites in their own backyard but it is a very much a developmental team drawn primarily from the MLS (the US’s European-based stars were returned to their European clubs after the Nations League final) who collectively are short on international experience.

Mexico’s two-match ‘puto’ sanction will not be shared with women’s team, says de Luisa

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 06:49:44 +0000

By Jhannet Sanchez

July 28 – The furore over Mexican fans’ homophobic ‘puto’ chant has plunged the federation into even deeper controversy over the handling of the two-match sanction from FIFA requiring the country to play two home games without fans in the stadia.

Mexican FA president Yon de Luisa was initially rumoured to be considering sharing the punishment across the men’s and women’s teams, with talk that the women’s national team directed by Monica Vergara would pay part of the punishment by playing one of the matches behind closed doors.

With Gold Cup reaching closing rounds, Concacaf launches new player awards

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 01:16:42 +0000

July 27 – Concacaf has launched a new annual awards programme that will focus on just the Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year.

The new awards will be based on the performance of players in 2021, and the winners will be announced in early 2022.

The awards criteria will take into account Domestic league play for clubs; performances in Concacaf competitions; performances in FIFA competitions (including Olympic Football Tournaments), performances in Concacaf Qualifiers for FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cup,

Grubhub enters big event sports sponsorship with Gold Cup deal

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 00:53:12 +0000

July 27 – US food delivery service Grubhub has formally announced their first major sports sponsorship, becoming the official food delivery partner of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.

The sponsorship mirrors the marketing strategy of Just Eat Takeaway.com, Grubhub’s parent company, that in June was a major sponsor of the Euros and has taken a further sponsorship of UEFA’s major club and national team competitions.

During the Gold Cup Grubhub has had in-stadium signage on the LED boards,

US edges Jamaica to set up semi-final showdown with Qatar

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 15:37:27 +0000

Quarter final: Jamaica 0 USA 1

By Jhannet Sanchez in Arlington, Texas

July 25 – The US and Jamaica renewed a rivalry that has seen the two nations face each other in the last three Gold Cup stages. The US made it a third win in a row tonight in a quarter final that made up for in intensity what it lacked at times in quality.

“I thought it was a tough game,

Canada redefines Concacaf pecking order with landmark win over Costa Rica

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 14:53:52 +0000

Quarter final: Canada 2 Costa Rica 0

By Jhannet Sanchez in Arlington, Texas

July 25 – Both Costa Rica and Canada were fired up for a defining battle at the AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas, last night as their eyes were firmly set on reaching the semi-finals of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. Canada were looking to cement a place at the region’s top table while Costa Rica were seeking to prove they still held it.

Mexico turn on the style to sweep aside battle-weary Honduras

Paul Nicholson — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 15:41:48 +0000

Quarter final: Mexico 3 Honduras 0

July 25 – Mexico brushed aside a battered and bruised Honduras in their quarter final of the Gold Cup at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, in front of a packed house of 64,211 mainly Mexican fans. They now head for Houston and a semi-final clash with either Costa Rica or Canada.

Honduras had arrived in Arizona, after two fierce group encounters with Panama and Qatar that had left them short of key forwards Alerth Elis and Romell Quioto,

Qatar cling on for semi-final spot in face of gutsy El Salvador comeback

Paul Nicholson — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 12:25:52 +0000

Quarter final: Qatar 3 El Salvador 2

July 25 – If the football world wasn’t paying attention when Qatar won the Asian Cup in 2019, it will be now. Even so, Qatar showed two sides of their football personality to beat El Salvador 3-2 at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to set up a semi-final clash with either the USA or Jamaica in Austin, Texas, on Thursday.

It was a game of two halves.

Montagliani says Gold Cup is delivering a major return to football for fans and partners

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 06:37:46 +0000

By Paul Nicholson

July 23 – The Gold Cup is now shifting from the hectic daily schedule of double header group games to the quarter finals this weekend in Glendale, Arizona, and Arlington, Texas. Big stadiums worthy of big achievements, something that this Gold Cup has been delivering with regularity.

Not least in the achievement of getting it actually getting played. Even before a group stage ball was kicked Concacaf had to negotiate the tricky decision of removing Curacao from the competition and calling Guatemala back (they had failed to qualify losing on penalties in a preliminary round).

Honduras looking to upset Mexico; Qatar want to end El Salvador record run

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 00:18:09 +0000

July 23 – The first Gold Cup quarter final double header takes place in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday in front of a sell out crowd. El Salvador meet Qatar, followed by Mexico vs Honduras.

It promises to be an electric evening of football with three well-supported Latin American teams ready to rock. It could also fundamentally shake the old order of Concacaf football.

El Salvador vs Mexico

El Salvador are aiming for their first semi-final in the competition having previously reached the quarter final five times.

US face strong Reggae Boyz challenge; Canada could take next step up against Costa Rica

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 00:07:31 +0000

July 23 –Sunday night will be the first big test of the USA’s gamble to send their European players back to their clubs Europe in favour of a majority MLS-recruited team. It will also see whether Canada have progressed enough to make the big tournament step up.

Arlington’s AT&T Stadium in Texas is the venue of the second of the Gold Cup quarter final double header. The USA face Jamaica and Costa Rica meet Canada.

Univision reports 25% uptick in Gold Cup viewing as Mexico draw more viewers than Copa America final

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 03:27:53 +0000

July 21 – Univision is reporting its highest viewing figure in the US for the group stages of the Gold Cup since 2011 and overall a 25% increase across matches aired so far.

Broadcast on TUDN, the Spanish-language broadcaster delivered 3.79 million Total Viewers 2+ and 2.04 million Adults 18-49 for the group deciding game between Mexico and El Salvador at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.

It was a game that Mexico needed to win to top the group having surprisingly drawn their opening match against Trinidad and Tobago 0-0.

State Farm Stadium in Glendale sold out for quarter-final doubleheader

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 02:15:05 +0000

July 22 – Tickets have sold out for the Concacaf Gold Cup quarter-final doubleheader at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to be played this Saturday July 24.

The 64,000 capacity stadium, that has a retractable roof and a roll-in grass surface, will host Qatar vs El Salvador and Mexico vs Honduras. The State Farm Stadium is home to the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL and has been a regular stop on the Gold Cup schedule,

Qatar overcome late Honduran pressure to set up El Salvador desert date

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 22:15:20 +0000

Group D: Qatar 2 Honduras 0

July 21 – Qatar went into this final Group D fixture at the BBVA Stadium in Houston needing a point to qualify and set up a quarter final match up with Mexico. A win would hand that assignment to Honduras. It was another night of pulsating football in a Gold Cup that has overflowed with drama on the pitch, and on occasion off it.

Qatar opened impressively with wave after wave of pressure restricting Honduras to using their powerful counter attack with Romell Quioto in particular looking dangerous.

Costa Rica’s Ruiz rolls back the years as Reggae Boyz storm threat blows out

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 21:12:41 +0000

Group C: Jamaica 0 Costa Rica 1; Suriname 1 Guadeloupe 0

July 21 – Jamaica and Costa Rica were only at the start of their battle for the top spot in Group C in Orlando when the players were called from the pitch in the fourth minute. A bad weather warning had forced the players from the pitch and the crowd for the stands as the rain poured down.

Jamaican coach Theodore Whitmore had made eight changes from the team that had made hard work of beating Guadeloupe 2-1 in their last match.

Qatar’s Sanchez respectful of Honduras’ ‘personality’ and ready for a football culture clash

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 11:13:48 +0000

July 20 – Honduras face Qatar in Houston tonight in a final Group D tie that will decide not just the group winners but who they meet in the next round. The winners will meet Group A runners-up El Salvador in the next round and avoid tournament favourites Mexico.

Honduras have already qualified for the next round but Qatar need to draw or win to guarantee their qualification above Panama who are expected to beat Grenada in the group’s other tie.

Reggae Boyz need to find a rhythm to knock Costa Rica off their well worn beat

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 11:00:41 +0000

July 20 -The top spot in Group C is up for grabs with Costa Rica and Jamaica playing off.

Tonight (Tuesday) at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The winner will face Canada in the next round and the loser will face the USA.

Both teams have six points after two games and share the same goal difference but Costa Rica have an extra goal advantage.

Jamaica have recruited heavily and from the English top leagues in particular to find quality to alongside their mercurial talisman Leon Bailey.

El Salvador miss chances to scalp Mexico for top group spot

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 14:24:05 +0000

Group A: Mexico 1 El Salvador 0

By Jhannet Sanchez in Dallas, Texas

July 18 – With 45,792 fans in the stands, the concluding group stage match of Group A took place at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, last night. The group decider saw reigning Gold Cup champions Mexico face group leaders El Salvador in a must-win game for the Mexicans to secure the top spot and most favourable quarter final opposition.

US pickpocket Canada in opening minute to top group

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 12:55:09 +0000

Group D: Canada 0 USA 1

July 18 – The top of table clash in Group B table between the US and Canada at the Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City exploded into action in front of a full house with a goal for the US within a minute. Shaq Moore lit the fuse for a frenetic end-to-end contest that saw the US take the top slot in the group.

Moore’s goal was the second fastest in Gold Cup history and was a statement of intent from a US team that has been pulled together from predominantly US based players in the MLS.

Quioto double fires Honduras into quarter finals, Panama left hanging by a thread

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 05:34:23 +0000

Group D: Panama 2 Honduras 3

July 18 – Honduras sealed their place in the knock out rounds with a 3-2 win over a battling Panama in Houston’s BBVA stadium tonight.

Packed with 22, 437 mainly Honduran fans the BBVA Stadium rocked to their national anthem and wave after wave of end to end action. It was a fierce encounter between two central American challengers who knew a win would put them in pole group position.

Qatar and Afif cruise past Grenada in the heat of Houston

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 01:41:59 +0000

Group D: Grenada 0 Qatar 4

July 18 – Qatar, disappointed not to take maximum points in the Gold Cup opener against Panama, made no mistake against Grenada.

In a temperature just over 90 degrees and humidity of 53% this was never going to be a game played at blistering pace, even so the movement and change of speed of Qatar made it look easy.

There is something ironic about Qatar playing in the heat of the US summer in an uncooled stadium considering the controversy around the shift of the 2022 World Cup from summer to winter.

Streetwise Costa Rica come from behind to beat rapidly improving Suriname

Paul Nicholson — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 05:21:34 +0000

Group C: Suriname 1 Costa Rica 2

July 17 – Costa Rica rode their luck in a pulsating second half of their second Group C qualifying game against Suriname to qualify for the knock out rounds.

Suriname proved that they will be competitive in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and with a little more composure in front of goal and more accuracy with their final attacking passes they could easily have won this game.

Flemmings’ moment of quality secures Jamaica’s passage to knock-out stages

Paul Nicholson — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 02:01:58 +0000

Group C: Jamaica 2 Guadeloupe 1

July 16 – Jamaica took a big step towards the knock out stages of the Gold Cup with a 2-1 win over Guadeloupe. But it they made hard work of it and needed a piece of individual skill by substitute Junior Flemings in the 87thminute to save Jamaica’s blushes.

Jamaica had gone into the game with a convincing 2-0 win against Suriname under their belt.