Gold Cup 2019 – Inside World Football

Squads announced, trophy delivered: Conacaf set for first Nations League finals

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 26 May 2021 23:04:34 +0000

May 27 – Concacaf preparation for a summer of senior men’s football competition is gathering pace for with the unveiled of the trophy that will be awarded to the first Concacaf Nations League champions next week.

The finals of the inaugural edition were delayed from last year when the pandemic struck but will now be played June 3-6 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.

The US will face Hoduras in the first semi-final,

Chelsea-bound Pulisic proves his price tag for US at Gold Cup

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 13:13:18 +0000

By Andrew Warshaw

July 10 – Chelsea will be getting a humble, unselfish all-round player who will do everything for the team when €64 million US star Christian Pulisic joins up with the club following last weekend’s Gold Cup final.

That’s the glowing assessment of both US manager Gregg Berhalter and Pulisic’s international teammates.

Pulisic captained his country for the first time in the Gold Cup semi-final win over Jamaica,

Mexico end US dreams to secure Gold Cup title

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 04:17:12 +0000

USA 0 Mexico 1

By Paul Nicholson at Soldier Field, Chicago

July 7 – The dream of a ‘Super Sunday’ USA World Cup and Gold Cup double was shattered by Mexico in Chicago last night.

An exciting final, full of goal opportunities for both sides was settled by a second half goal from Jonathon Dos Santos as the Mexicans increasingly imposed their authority on the game in the second half.

The post Mexico end US dreams to secure Gold Cup title appeared first on Inside World Football.

NextPlay roll-out shows why it is more than just a game

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 00:24:09 +0000

By Paul Nicholson at the CFIC Field, Chicago

July 7 – On Saturday morning, the day before the Gold Cup Final, the CIBC Fire Pitch – just south of Lincolnwood and a short hop to the Chicago Cub’s iconic Wrigley Field – was buzzing with kids and coaches taking part in Concacaf’s NextPlay initiative.

NextPlay is a development programme that is focused on using the game to create safe spaces,

Berhalter and Martino are both going for Gold

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 01:19:03 +0000

By Paul Nicholson at Soldier Field, Chicago

July 6 – When the US and Mexico kick off the final of the Gold Cup Sunday night in Chicago the atmosphere is likely to be more like the Azteca than Chicago Field.

Wherever Mexico play in the US it is like a home game and this Gold Cup they have packed stadia with more than 60,000 people where they have played.

The post Berhalter and Martino are both going for Gold appeared first on Inside World Football.

Mexico and US line up for Gold Cup’s game of thrones

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 14:18:19 +0000

July 5 – The Concacaf Gold Cup reaches its conclusion on Sunday with the two form teams of the competition, Mexico and USA, battling for the title at the sold-out Soldier Field in Chicago.

It has been an eagerly awaited clash from the start of the tournament with both team under new coaches and playing regimes that have lit up a fascinating 16 match day schedule of double headers.

In many respects the Gold Cup is something of an endurance event with recovery and game-by-game tactical adjustments crucial to going the full distance.

Concacaf to hold NextPlay grassroots event before Chicago final

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 12:14:35 +0000

July 5 – With the focus of attention in the Concacaf region firmly fixed on the Gold Cup final between Mexico and the US to be played this Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago, the confederation has taken the opportunity to roll out an edition of its NextPlay coach education programme in Chicago.

The Concacaf NextPlay programme is a grassroots development initiative that sees Concacaf officials provide training for coaches to deliver the NextPlay methodology in their local communities.

US dispatch Jamaica to set Mexican final in Chicago in Sunday

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 14:43:18 +0000

USA 3 Jamaica 1

July 4 – The US beat Jamaica 3-1 in the second semi-final of the Gold Cup in the Nissan Stadium in Nashville to set up a final with Mexico in Chicago this Sunday,

Christian Pulisic was again the creative catalyst for a US victory as he scored two goals in a match that was delayed by 88 minutes dues to a lightening warning in the area.

Moggio pays tribute to Gold Cup sponsors at core of Concacaf development

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 21:11:47 +0000

By Paul Nicholson

June 29 – Philippe Moggio, Concacaf’s general secretary, has paid tribute to the confederation’s commercial partners for embracing the Gold Cup opportunity and contributing to the whole Gold Cup experience.

“We have talked a lot about how we have expanded the Gold Cup and an important part of that has been bringing existing and new sponsors with us. I think they have come to understand what we offer and are embracing it,” said Moggio.

Concacaf are in town: Gold Cup Station takes over Chicago’s Union Station

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 20:13:43 +0000

July 3 – With tickets for the final of the Gold Cup in Chicago already sold out, fans in the Windy City can still enjoy a unique Gold Cup experience in the centre of the city at Union Station.

The Gold Cup Station opened July 1 and is a week-long fan experience that runs through the end of finals day on July 7, open 7am to 7pm.

A massive,

Jamaica offer biggest test yet for US in quest for Gold Cup final spot

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 11:11:16 +0000

July 3 – The United States and Jamaica will battle for a spot in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup Final at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville tonight.

It is a rematch of the 2017 final in Santa Clara (which the US won 2-1), but also of the 2015 semi-final in Atlanta which Jamaica won 2-1, before going on to lose in the final to Mexico.

Mexico await the winners after their 1-0 victory over Haiti.

Mexico end Haiti dreams with extra time penalty

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 05:50:10 +0000

Mexico 1 Haiti 0 (aet)

By Paul Nicholson at the State Farm Stadium, Phoenix

July 3 – Mexico made hard work of a semi-final win over comeback specialists Haiti to book their place in the Gold Cup final in Chicago July 7. Once again they needed extra time and a penalty – but not a penalty shoot out – to secure their progress.

At 7pm it was 105° outside the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix,

Concacaf puts refs on the spot, taking education a step further

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 04:57:39 +0000

July 3 – One of the features of the 2019 Gold Cup has the work that Concacaf’s refereeing department has been doing with its officials. Headquartering them in Coppell, Dallas, the officials have represented a diverse group in terms of nationality but fast-developing group in terms of learning and experience.

Included in the refereeing contingent were a team from the Asian Football Confederation, Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim and his two assistants Taleb Al-Marri and Saoud Al-Maqaleh.

‘Comeback Kings’ Haiti ready to bring their nation more joy

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 04:52:05 +0000

By Paul Nicholson at the State Farm Stadium, Phoenix

July 1 – The Gold Cup semi-final against Mexico in the State Farm Stadium tomorrow night is not just another game of football for Haiti, the ‘Comeback Kings’ of this tournament.

Three times they have looked to be going out of the tournament, three times they have come back to win. The three stunning second half goals that reversed a two-goal half time deficit to knock Canada out,

Martino says Mexico’s possession game will counter Haiti’s physical one

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 04:10:55 +0000

By Paul Nicholson at the State Farm Stadium, Phoenix

July 2 – Mexico start the Gold Cup semi-final against Haiti at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona, as nailed on favourites, not just to make it to the final but also to win the competition, and for Mexicans to preferably win against the US at Chicago’s already sold out Soldier Field.

But they do have to get over a Haitian side that Mexican coach Gerardo Martino says has been a “revelation”.

Gold Cup final at Soldier Field sold out, Phoenix and Nashville semis selling fast.

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 01:58:11 +0000

July 1 – The Gold Cup final at Soldier Field in Chicago this Sunday July 7, is officially sold out. Semi-finals between Mexico and Haiti, in Phoenix on Tuesday, and the US and Jamaica, on Wednesday in Nashville, will decide the final two teams.

The announcement of the 61,500 venue sell out of Soldier Field comes hard on the heels of the 71,000 sell out of Houston’s NRG Stadum for the quarter final last Saturday that featured Mexico beating Costa Rica after extra time and penalties in what was a Gold Cup classic.

Guyana look for government support to make Gold Cup 2019 a long term experience

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 00:48:40 +0000

By Andrew Warshaw

July 2 – As the first expanded Gold Cup draws towards its close after arguably its most successful edition in history, the minnows who lit up the tournament can only grow as a result. The problem is whether they can get sufficient backing back home to move forward with their development.

Cricketing hotbeds like Guyana, Bermuda and Trinidad have all embraced being at the heart of the Concacaf’s number one football competition but need to make sure that standards don’t slip once they have got over the euphoria.

Giantkillers Curacao slayed by suffocating US defense

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 02:55:22 +0000

USA 1 Curacao 0

July 30 – The US came into this quarter final with everything to lose against the tournament giantkillers Curacao, who have played with no fear and have revelled in the heroics of pulling off the unexpected.

The US (population 325 million+), are rebuilding their team and reputation after their surprise failure to qualify for Russia 2018 after losing in Trinidad, could not afford to slip up similarly on home ground to another minnow from the Caribbean.

Reggae Boyz head to Nashville with new record in sight

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 01:41:37 +0000

July 30 – Jamaica bundled Panama out of the Gold Cup at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Sunday, to set up a semi-final against with the USA or fellow Caribbean island Curacao in Nashville on Wednesday.

The Jamaicans have been the beaten finalists at both the 2015 and 2017 Gold Cups (Mexico and the US), and once again they have saved their best form for this competition.

The Panama loss means there will be no Central American nations in the semi-finals – Costa Rica were beaten by Mexico in a thrilling match in Houston Saturday.

US wary of Curacao’s giantkilling. Jamaica and Panama evenly matched

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 15:51:16 +0000

June 30 – The US and Curacao will decide the final slot in 2019 Gold Cup semi finals when they meet at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on tonight.

It is the first time the two teams have every played each other and is a classic David vs Goliath encounter. A nation of 327 million playing a Caribbean island of just 160,000.

Curacao is getting used to giantkilling. They beat regional powerhouses Honduras and followed that up with a last minute goal against Jamaica to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Mexico beat Costa Rica on penalties in a Gold Cup classic

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 05:47:55 +0000

Mexico 1 (5) Costa Rica 1 (4)

By Paul Nicholson at the NRG Stadium, Houston

June 29 – Earlier in the day thunder and lightening swept across Houston. It was nothing compared to the explosion of football that was to take place in the evening at the NRG Stadium.

Seldom could a double header of Gold Cup football ignited such passion, and exposed such raw emotion.

Canada flattened by Haiti’s stunning three goal comeback

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 02:34:49 +0000

By Paul Nicholson at the NRG Stadium in Houston

Canada 2 Haiti 3

June 29 – Canada snatched defeat from the jaws of victory letting a two-goal half-time lead become a 3-2 full time loss to Haiti in the first of the Gold Cup quarter finals at the NRG Stadium in Houston.

It was a remarkable second half comeback by Haiti who now move on to Phoenix for their first ever Gold Cup semi-final.

Costa Rica’s Matosas warns Mexico his team are adapting to new system

Paul Nicholson — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 05:35:40 +0000

By Paul Nicholson at the NRG Stadium, Houston

June 29 – The Gold Cup quarter final between Mexico and Costa Rica pitches the two best Spanish language speaking teams of the past 10 years in the Concacaf region against each other.

Both teams have new coaches and both are reinventing their styles of play. Costa Rica are not yet the team of World Cup 2014 but coach Gustavo Matosas – who spent five years coaching in Liga MX – is adamant that these are early days but that his team can win,

Gold Cup’s unstoppable march through the US racks up the miles and sell out crowds

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 02:44:21 +0000

By Paul Nicholson in Houston

June 28 – With the first 12 days of Gold Cup double header group games finished, Concacaf is reporting four of the stadia as sell outs and three near sell outs. Tickets for the knock out rounds disappearing fast.

It has been a phenomenal pace and trek through the diversity of the region – Costa Rica and Jamaica hosted for the first time – and the vastness of the US and its remarkable stadium facilities.

Mexico vs Costa Rica: El Tri hunting for Phoenix semi

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 00:33:05 +0000

June 28 – A free scoring Mexico head into Saturdays’ quarter finals at the NRG Stadium Houston as match and tournament favourites.

Opening the tournament with a 7-0 hammering of Cuba before a 3-1 dismantling of Canada and a closer but no less convincing 302 win over Martinique, the Mexicans are without the team to watch.

In contrast their opponents Costa Rica, who lost in their group to Haiti, look like a team struggling to live up to former glories.

Beauty and the Beast: Canada and Haiti promise contrasting styles

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 00:14:53 +0000

June 28 – Opening Gold Cup quarter final play in Houston, Texas, are Canada and Haiti, an intriguing fixture between two aspiring Concacaf nations who have both made their mark in different ways so far in this tournament.

It will be a match of contrasting styles. Canada have built their style of play around their European-based players and a passing game spiced up by the mercurial brilliance of Alphonso Davies on the wing and the goal scoring find of the tournament Jonathon Davies.

Grp D: Outlaws roar US on to Curacao quarter final

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 05:42:51 +0000

USA 1 Panama 0

By Andrew Warshaw at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City

June 26 – They banged their drums, sung their songs and waved their flags in a sea of patriotic fervour.The Gold Cup bandwagon brought defending champions Team USA, as it’s known throughout the country, to the Midwest tonight to take on traditional rivals Panama – and Kansas City roared them on to a narrow 1-0 win and a quarter final matchup with tournament surprise package Curacao.

Grp D: Guyana and Trinidad share the honours

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 01:00:48 +0000

By Andrew Warshaw at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City

June 26 – Guyana were 10 minutes away from departing their first ever Gold Cup with a priceless three-points tonight, only to concede an equaliser to Trinidad and Tobago in a 1-1 draw that sent the Caribbean rivals home winless.

On paper it was a dead rubber in the American Midwest but don’t think for one moment that they were only playing for pride as they warmed up the crowd for the showdown later between the USA and Panama.

The post Grp D: Guyana and Trinidad share the honours appeared first on Inside World Football.

Grp D: US and Panama square off in sold-out Kansas City

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 12:20:31 +0000

By Andrew Warshaw at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City

June 26 – The United States and Panama, two of Concacaf’s fiercest rivals, square off Wednesday for the right to win Group D at the Gold Cup and keep momentum going as they enter the business end of the tournament.

Apart from the occasional blip, the US has dominated matches between the pair with a 13-1-6 record but there is no doubting how much it must have hurt to see Panama strutting their stuff at the World Cup in Russia last summer after their own ignominious failure to qualify.

Grp C: High drama in LA as El Salvador crash out

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 07:50:28 +0000

Honduras 4 El Salvador 0

By Paul Nicholson at the Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles

June 25 – Road signs on the way to the stadium flashed Sold Out. El Salvador vs Honduras was the hottest ticket in Los Angeles Tuesday night and what an evening of passion and excitement it was for those that were going.

As the predominantly El Salvadorian fans began their flood in to the 22,000 capacity stadium from the party they were having around gound – surely one of the most stylised and fashionable in world football – they were treated to the high drama of a stoppage time equaliser by Curacao against Jamaica.