Gold Cup 2023 – Inside World Football

Mexico’s Gold Cup win pushes them up World Ranking. Argentina remain top

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 04:54:55 +0000

July 21 – Concacaf Gold Cup winners Mexico have moved up FIFA World Ranking to 12th place, one behind the USA in 11th.

Panama, Gold Cup runners up, have jumped 12 places to 45th and are now a place ahead Central America rivals Costa Rica (46th).

At the top of the ranking there are no changes at all in the top ten, which is made up of European and South American teams.

Mexico hit late winner against Panama to secure their 9th Gold Cup

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 02:13:46 +0000

By Paul Nicholson in Los Angeles

July 16 – Mexico won their ninth Gold Cup title in the magnificent SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in front of a full house 72,953 crowd, beating Panama 1-0.

Substitute Santiago Gimenez was the Mexican hero with an 88th minute goal.

Panama in their third Gold Cup final, once again left empty handed but not after putting up a resilient final performance that graced the venue,

Montagliani says Gold Cup 2023 has been a step forward on and off the pitch

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 05:58:51 +0000

By Paul Nicholson in Los Angeles

July 16 – Speaking ahead of the Gold Cup 2023 final in Los Angeles, Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has praised the increased level of competitiveness of his member nations and said that World Cup 2026 qualification is going to be fierce.

“This Gold Cup has shown that there are a clear four nations who have increased their competitiveness and who can realistically challenge the traditional elite (the US and Mexico) as equals.

Gold Cup final at SoFi Stadium sold out

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 05:34:47 +0000

July 16 – The 2023 Gold Cup Final, to be played between Mexico and Panama tonight has sold out, with more than 70,000 now converging on the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles.

Mexico are looking for a record ninth Gold Cup title, having last won in 2019 but being the losing finalists in 2021 to the US.

It is Mexico’s final 11th final appearance and Panama’s third. Panama lost at the final hurdle in 2005 and 2013.

The post Gold Cup final at SoFi Stadium sold out appeared first on Inside World Football.

Concacaf uses Gold Cup visit to run ‘Bigger Game’ programme in San Diego

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 04:41:07 +0000

July 15 – In San Diego, this past week Concacaf and Cal South partnered in spreading the message of Concacaf’s exciting new platform ‘Bigger Game’ and focusing on Sport 4 Development and harnessing the power of football for social change.

Led by the Concacaf Director of Development, former Premier League and Grenada international, Jason Roberts, MBE, the ‘Bigger Game’ believes in using sport as a vehicle for social change through community events and relationships.

Mexico hunt 9th title; having beaten the US, Panama look to continue reordering of Concacaf’s elite

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 02:15:09 +0000

July 14 – With the dust settling around the semi-finals and the US loss to Panama in the penalty shoot-out in San Diego, attention is switching to 100 miles up the road and the magnificent SoFi stadium where Panama will meet Mexico.

In June Panama and Mexico met in the third-place play-off in the Nations League with the Mexicans winning 1-0.

Since then both teams have played five matches to get to the Gold Cup final,

Concacaf warms up for Gold Cup final 2023 with series of fan activations

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 02:09:56 +0000

July 14 – A drone show lit up the sky on Santa Monica Pier ahead of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup final this Sunday July 16 at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

There were 500 drones lighting up the sky to display a full Concacaf+ Gold Cup show that was part of a number of fan-focussed events ahead of the final.

The Gold Cup trophy had also been on display at Santa Monica Pier’s Central Plaza throughout the afternoon and evening providing fans with the opportunity to get their pictures taken with the trophy.

USA exit to Panama after a Snapdragon shoot-out

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 00:03:21 +0000

By Sam Nicholson in San Diego

July 13 – Panama stunned a tired-looking USA who ran out of ideas in a Gold Cup semi-final that was settled on penalties 5-4. To get to penalties flattered the US on this first time visit to the Snapdragon Stadium for the men’s national team.

Kicking off in Southern Californian 95 degree+ heat, the predominantly US-supporting home crowd failed to create any kind of home advantage for the US team.

Mexico’s fast start knocks Jamaica off their rhythm

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 00:02:47 +0000

By Paul Nicholson in Las Vegas

July 12 – Mexico marched into the Gold Cup with a 3-0 win over Jamaica that was powered by an impressive first half display that saw them go into the break 2-0 up and the match pretty much won.

It has been a huge turnaround for this team under interim coach Jaime Lozano who took over following Mexico’s poor Nations League performance. Despite losing a group game to Qatar,

Mexico and Jamaica eye each others strengths as Las Vegas heats up for another big night out

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 01:12:31 +0000

July 11 – Mexico and Jamaica have some similarities, and a whole host of differences as they approach what is a fascinating semi-final match-up in the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas tonight in the semi-final of the Gold Cup.

Mexico go in having suffered a loss in their final group game against Qatar, before comfortably overcoming Costa Rica in their quarter final. Jamaica go in to the match unbeaten despite being pushed to the end by Guatemala.

Gold Cup semi-final tickets on sale, final at the SoFi has limited availability left

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:15:42 +0000

July 10 – Concacaf is reporting strong ticket sales for the two semi-finals of the Gold Cup that take place this Wednesday July 12.

The USA play Panama at the 35,000 capacity Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, while Mexico meet Jamaica at the 65,000 capacity Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Tickets for both matches are available at GoldCup.org. Concacaf is reporting that there is limited ticket availability for the final at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for the final on Sunday.

Concacaf predictor game puts ‘wisdom of the fans’ behind US vs Mexico final

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:10:28 +0000

July 10 – With the Gold Cup now at the semi-final stage, fan sentiment judging by Concacaf predictor game, is falling in favour of a third consecutive US vs Mexico final.

The US are firm favourites to beat Panama in San Diego, with 71% of fans playing the game predicting their win. A lower 66% are predicting that Mexico will beat Jamaica in Las Vegas.

Both games are played this Wednesday July 12.

US win shoot-out against Canada on night of Gold Cup drama

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 23:20:18 +0000

By Paul Nicholson in Cincinnati

July 9 – The USA clung on to their Gold Cup title for at least another round as they moved into the semi-finals after a 3-2 penalty shoot-out win against Canada. It was a night of passion and drama at the sold out TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.

If this match saw two teams lacking their superstar names (too big to wear the shirt?), it more than made up for their absence with commitment and sheer edge-of-your-seat excitement as it built towards a big finish.

Jamaica bump past Guatemala for a date with Mexico in Vegas

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 23:14:22 +0000

By Paul Nicholson in Cincinnati

July 9 – Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz made hard work of squeezing past Guatemala 1-0 at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati for a place in the semi-finals of the Gold Cup.

Jamaica will leave wondering how this became such hard world considering the opportunities they had, but relieved they didn’t throw the win away in the fashion of their opening game against the US where a procession of missed chances and a missed penalty opened the door for the US to equalise off a defensive error.

Mexican wave flows past Costa Rica

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 03:56:12 +0000

July 8 – Mexico overcame Costa Rica 2-0 in Arlington, Texas, to progress to the semi-finals of the Gold Cup in Las Vegas next week.

After their 1-0 loss to Qatar in a bad-tempered final group game, this performance put the Mexicans, under interim coach Jaime Lozano, back on track. They could, perhaps should, have won by more.

Costa Rica came into the game having had a patchy Gold Cup run.

The post Mexican wave flows past Costa Rica appeared first on Inside World Football.

Ismael Diaz hattrick sends rampant Panama past Qatar into Gold Cup semis

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 02:46:48 +0000

July 8 – A 9-minute second-half hattrick by Panama forward Ismael Diaz, in a 4-0 win, sent Gold Cup guest Qatar home at the quarter final stage.

Qatar came into the quarter final in Arlington, Texas, after a backs-to-the-wall 1-0 win over Mexico in their final group game. In 2021 Qatar had won football fans at the Gold Cup over with a free flowing and exciting brand of football.

The game against Mexico was nothing like that.

Gold Cup reaches quarter finals with US and Mexico paths separated

Paul Nicholson — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 00:26:19 +0000

July 5 – Mexico will be returning to the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for the Gold Cup semi-final assuming they beat Costa Rica in Arlington on July 8. The US will head for the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego if they beat Canada.

In early June Mexico were in Las Vegas for the Nations League Final Four, losing to the USA 3-0 in the semi-final but beating Panama 1-0 for the third spot.

Costa Rica find form to beat Martinique and set up Mexico quarter final

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 03:03:06 +0000

By Samindra Kunti in New Jersey

July 4 – Costa Rica ran out 6-4 winners against Martinique to restore calm in their camp and set up a quarter-final with Mexico.

The Central Americans bounced back from a slow start in the tournament with just one point from two matches to outplay the Caribbean island nation with goals by Juan Vargas, Joel Campbell and Anthony Contreras in a 15-minute second-half cameo to ensure qualification for the knockout phase.

El Salvador put up a fight but can’t find enough punch to overcome Panama

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 02:55:36 +0000

By Paul Nicholson in Houston

July 4 – Panama secured Group C top spot with a 2-2 draw on an intense and sticky evening in Houston in front of an impressive El Salvadorian support that roared their country on from start to finish.

El Salvador have disappointed this Gold Cup but on a night of passion and commitment in front of over 20,000, mainly El Salvadorian fans, they left everything they had on the pitch.

Costa Rica goal-fest instils confidence ahead of Mexico quarter-final

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 02:11:43 +0000

July 5 – Costa Rica coach Luis Suarez has said he is not too worried about shipping four goals in his team’s win against Martinique ahead of the quarterfinals with Mexico.

For the first time in the tournament, Costa Rica showed purpose in the opponent’s half and with personality and panache they dismantled Martinique after the half time break, scoring four goals to rack up a 6-4 tennis-score victory. Joel Campbell provided an assist and scored.

Guatemala claw back deficit to beat Guadaloupe in New York nail-biter

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 00:54:42 +0000

By Samindra Kunti in New Jersey

July 4 – On a sticky and neurotic night in Harrison, Carlos Meija delivered the killer blow in the 76th minute for Guatemala to complete Guatemala’s 3-2 comeback and ensure his team’s passage from Group D to the quarterfinals of the Gold Cupfor the first time since 2011.

At the final whistle, they ran to hug goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen, coach Luis Tena pumped his fists and the supporters in the stands partied like never before –

Canada down depleted Cuba to head into knockout rounds

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 00:22:47 +0000

By Paul Nicholson in Houston

July 4 – Canada secured their progression into the Gold Cup knockout rounds with a 4-2 win over Cuba on another 94 degree afternoon at the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

Canada will meet Mexico next but will have to step up a gear in front of goal if they are to progress further.

Cuba arrived at the match with just 17 players out of their 23-man squad,

The stats: Groups C and D go down to the wire tonight

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 00:01:12 +0000

July 4 – Groups C and D conclude tonight with seven out of eight nations still in with a chance of qualifying for the quarter finals.

Group C status

Panama have already qualified for the quarter finals and most likely will finish top of Group C.

It is possible that they could end up second if they lose to El Salvador and if Costa Rica beat Martinique and beat Panaama’s goal difference

If Costa Rica beat Martinique then they could grab the second spot qualifier from Martinique.

Martinique seek to exploit waning of Costa Rica

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 00:01:01 +0000

July 4 – Martinique are targeting their first knockout spot since 2002 in their final Group C game against Costa Rica, who remain under pressure to not miss out on the quarterfinals for the first time since 1998.

The Ticos have endured a poor campaign, with only a point from two matches after a 2-1 defeat to Panama and a 0-0 draw with El Salvador, and the pressure on their coach Luis Suarez has almost become untenable with the press corps and fans repeatedly calling for his exit.

Guadeloupe’s Angloma says Guate are favourites but his team are making history

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 23:11:37 +0000

By Samindra Kunti in New Jersey

July 4 – Guadeloupe coach Jocelyn Angloma says his team have nothing to fear ahead of a crunch clash against Guatemala and are already writing history with the winner guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals.

Group C has been a wildly chaotic, with 2026 World Cup hosts Canada sitting in third place behind both Angloma’s charges and Los Chapines, with four points apiece,

Qatar stun Mexico to hang on to 1-0 win and head in to quarter finals

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 01:57:12 +0000

By Nick Webster in Santa Clara

July 2 – It has been said that one is never enough, however despite having a paltry 24% of the possession Qatar stunned Mexico with a 27th minute goal by Hazem Shehata to seal a famous 1-0 victory.

It is the surprise win of the group stages and three points that sends the Qataris to the knockout round at the expense of Honduras in Group B.

Honduras shatter Haiti quarter final dream

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 01:50:21 +0000

By Samindra Kunti in Charlotte

June 2 – Honduras were eliminated from the Gold Cup despite a 2-1 victory against Haiti, a result rendered irrelevant because Qatar upset Mexico 1-0 in Group B’s other match. Haiti also depart the tournament.

In the end, there were no real winners in a match that saw Honduras fight back from a goal down to claim three points and move to four points in the group,

The post Honduras shatter Haiti quarter final dream appeared first on Inside World Football.

US hit six to take top spot and avoid Mexico in the final run-in

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 01:48:08 +0000

By Samindra Kunti in Charlotte

July 2 – The United States and Jesus Ferreira stormed past Trinidad and Tobago with a second-consecutive 6-0 victory and a new hattrick for the striker to clinch top spot in Group A on goal differential and avoid a potential clash with Mexico in the semi-finals.

The Americans enjoyed an almost perfect night to dispatch their Caribbean opponents with ease, Ferreira (pictured) once again starring with three goals before the break and substitute Cade Cowell lighting up the second half.

After slow start Jamaica up the pace to sweep past St Kitts

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 00:56:04 +0000

By Nick Webster in Santa Clara

July 1 – Under a blazing Santa Clara summers day where the on-field temperatures hovered around 92 degrees, the Reggae Boys played a tune on their Caribbean neighbours, St. Kitts & Nevis.

The 5-0 win was not enough for them to go to the top of the group on goal difference but do comfortably qualify for the quarter finals.

Jamaica dominated a first half that saw them have 69% of possession but only four shots on target as the St Kitts and Nevis rearguard battled bravely against their Premier League aggressors.

BJ Callahan says tougher games to come but praises top gun Ferreira

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 00:13:35 +0000

July 2 – US interim coach BJ Callaghan heaped praise on hattrick hero Jesus Ferreira for his “complete” performance in the 6-0 drubbing of Trinidad and Tobago, but warned that the margins in the knockout phase will be very fine.

On their first-ever visit to the Queen City, the US impressed in front of a healthy 40,000 crowd, even if conditions were sticky.

Forward Ferreira (pictured) became the first US player to get back-to-back hattricks in consecutive 6-0 wins.