Wednesday brings another busy day in the football world. The Club World Cup knockout stages are fast approaching, and fans are also anticipating the USMNT`s return to action. Let`s take a look at the latest.
Upcoming Matches
All times U.S./Eastern
Wednesday, June 25
- 🇪🇺 U19 Euros: England vs. Netherlands, 12 p.m.
- 🏆 CWC: Fluminense vs. Mamelodi Sundowns, 3 p.m.
- 🏆 CWC: Inter vs. River Plate, 9 p.m.
- 🇺🇸 MLS: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. San Diego FC, 10:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 26
- 🏆 CWC: Juventus vs. Manchester City, 3 p.m.
- 🏆 CWC: Salzburg vs. Real Madrid, 9 p.m.
- 🌍 Friendly: USWNT vs. Republic of Ireland, 9 p.m.
Club World Cup Knockout Rounds Take Shape
With only two group stage days remaining, 10 of the 16 teams for the knockout phase are already decided. Juventus and Manchester City have secured their spots and will compete for the top position on Thursday. Focus is now on Groups E and F. While Group F might lack major giants, matches like Borussia Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Fluminense offer interest. If Mamelodi Sundowns win, they will be the sole African representative in the last 16, a possibility not to be dismissed given their competitive 4-3 loss to Dortmund.
Significant pressure is on Inter, who need a win against River Plate to guarantee their progression. A late victory over Urawa Red Diamonds offered a reprieve, and new coach Cristian Chivu hopes it can help break a negative cycle following their Serie A title challenge near-miss and a heavy defeat in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Cristian Chivu is not the only European coach facing challenges. Xabi Alonso aims for Real Madrid to top Group H, requiring a win against Salzburg. Failure could be costly; a loss to the Austrian side combined with an Al-Hilal win would see the biggest club potentially exit the tournament early.
Another Champions League victor, Chelsea, successfully navigated their final group match, defeating Esperance de Tunis 3-0 in Philadelphia`s intense heat. This was the 60th match of a taxing season for Enzo Maresca`s squad, but they are trying to leverage the tournament into an advantage rather than just a final push before summer. Liam Delap commented on how the Club World Cup has helped him settle in:
- Delap: “This tournament has really helped me settle in because you know if we`re back at the training ground, everyone would be disappearing at three o`clock. And here we`re together all the time, so it`s a great way to get settled in, and everyone`s been really helpful.”
Benfica`s unexpected 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich showcased their potential, a result likely welcomed by Chelsea, who will now face the Portuguese team in the round of 16. The winner of Palmeiras vs. Botafogo awaits in the following round. Meanwhile, Bayern finds themselves in a potentially tougher section of the bracket, with strong opponents like Flamengo in the round of 16, followed by the winner of a high-profile tie between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. An intriguing knockout phase is certainly taking shape.
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USMNT Players Considering Moves
At the Gold Cup, it`s currently a waiting game. Honduras, Panama, Canada, and Guatemala have reached the quarter-finals. The winner of the match between the latter two will face the USA if they advance past Costa Rica on Sunday. While the tournament pauses, transfer speculation heats up, suggesting potential moves for USMNT players.
Yunus Musah, absent from the Gold Cup for personal reasons, made 40 appearances last season but seems likely to depart AC Milan due to coaching changes (Massimiliano Allegri incoming) and the expected arrival of Luka Modric. Sporting director Igli Tare explained the club`s stance:
- Tare: “I consider Musah an excellent player, but we are looking for profiles with characteristics that fit the project we have with coach Allegri. We are seeking deep-lying midfielders for a three-man midfield. Musah doesn`t have these characteristics. He can play in a two or three-man midfield but with different characteristics. This is the real reason why we want to do something different.”
Musah`s next destination remains unclear. A move to Naples was previously speculated but seems less likely now. West Ham have also shown historical interest. For the moment, his future is uncertain.
In contrast, Johnny Cardoso appears close to a move from Real Betis to Atletico Madrid. The transfer could reportedly cost around $34.8 million for the defensive midfielder, who is currently with Mauricio Pochettino`s USMNT squad. A conclusion is expected once the USA finishes its Gold Cup campaign.
Cardoso`s defensive abilities align with Atletico boss Diego Simeone`s style, and the opportunity to play in the Champions League is appealing. A successful move could provide stability in midfield for Pochettino. However, there`s also the concern that Cardoso might struggle for playing time against established players like Koke and Rodrigo De Paul, potentially hindering his rhythm before next summer. Only time will reveal the outcome of this potential transfer for Cardoso.
Other News Highlights
- ⬇️ Stunning news out of France, where Lyon have been relegated from Ligue 1 for financial mismanagement.
- 🇳🇿 In scenes we love to see, amateur side Auckland City stunned the world by earning a 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors. What`s next for goalscoring hero Christian Grey? It`s back to school for the teacher.
- 💰 It has been relatively quiet on the transfer front during the Club World Cup but Arsenal are bidding to spice things up, offering over $12.5 million for Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard.
- 🔵 Chuck Booth fought through the 100 degree heat to bring us the latest from Chelsea after their important win over Esperance de Tunis.
- 🧑💼 Filipa Patao, formerly of Benfica, will take the helm at the NWSL expansion club Boston Legacy next season.
- 🇵🇹 Speaking of the Portuguese club, Benfica have become the first in their country to receive US investment in a deal worth up to $23.1 million.
- 🎽 San Diego Wave are paying tribute to a legend. No one else will be able to wear her iconic No.13 jersey in their colors.
- 🤑 Inter Miami will be the only MLS club competing in the knockout stages but what`s that worth to Lionel Messi`s employers? Another $7.5 million… at least
The Back Line
Betting Picks
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U21 Euros: England vs. Netherlands, Wednesday, 12 p.m.
💰 THE PICK: Harvey Elliott to score anytime (+240) — In Slovakia, the U21 European Championships are reaching their conclusion. England aims to defend their title from two years ago. Liverpool midfielder Elliott is a returning player from that winning squad and is often relied upon by coach Lee Carsley in crucial moments, consistent with his history of delivering for club and country.
What We`re Watching
On the Golazo Network
☀️ Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m. ET): This show helps fans start their day with highlights, interviews, and major soccer storylines. Morning Footy is also available as a podcast.
☀️ Morning Footy (10 a.m. ET): A special edition of the flagship morning show, covering highlights, interviews, and major soccer storylines. Available in podcast form as well.
🥅 Scoreline (7 p.m. ET): Scoreline provides updates on global football news and results, match highlights from top competitions, and all the best goals of the day, airing daily.
Adrian Whitmore