It`s the end of the week, bringing with it an exciting schedule of football. Both the U.S. Women`s and Men`s National Teams are playing, and the knockout rounds of the Club World Cup are about to start.
Manchester City`s Club World Cup Dominance
As the Club World Cup group stage concludes, many top European teams appear to be still adjusting or lacking intensity, often struggling against their Brazilian counterparts. Manchester City, however, stands apart. Pep Guardiola`s side is the only one to win all three group matches, delivering the most convincing performance to date with a dominant 5-2 victory over Juventus.
- Guardiola praised the team`s comprehensive performance, stating they “felt again what it was like to be a good team” and that belief stems from performances, not past results.
City`s dominance echoed past performances, controlling 76% possession and generating 24 shots (3.92 expected goals). Jeremy Doku and Savinho were particularly effective on the flanks, while Rayan Ait Nouri showed versatility by varying his position.
The return of Rodri was also a positive sign. Although not yet at his pre-injury peak (when he was widely considered the world`s best), he passed effectively and was strong in challenges. Crucially, with Rodri back, City avoided conceding transitions, which had been an issue in recent games. Guardiola emphasized Rodri`s importance, calling him “one of the best players in the world.”
- Guardiola noted that in recent games they had conceded many transitions, but this didn`t happen with Rodri back, highlighting his crucial presence.
While Guardiola prioritizes success at the Etihad, winning the Club World Cup seems a realistic goal. Topping their group allowed them to avoid Real Madrid and land in the less challenging side of the bracket, away from PSG and Bayern Munich. Their path includes Al-Hilal in the Round of 16, followed by a potentially tricky but manageable quarterfinal against Inter Milan or Fluminense, positioning City as the team to beat.
USMNT`s Gold Cup Test Against Defensive Costa Rica
After a smooth journey through the group stages, the USMNT face a potentially difficult quarterfinal match in the Gold Cup against Costa Rica. *Los Ticos* haven`t been offensively spectacular in the tournament, particularly if you exclude penalty goals.
However, Costa Rica`s defensive strategy is their strength, as demonstrated in their 0-0 draw against Mexico. Faced with superior attacking talent, they defended deep and relied on veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who saved all four shots on target. Their organized defense limited Mexico`s possession (69%) to just 13 shots (1.45 xG). While not a league-winning approach, it`s effective in knockout games.
To break down this stubborn defense, the US B-team attackers must perform as they largely did in the group stage. This is a key opportunity for Malik Tillman to establish himself as the primary number 10 looking towards the World Cup.
- According to Pardeep Cattry, Tillman appears to be the first player truly benefiting from coach Mauricio Pochettino`s arrival, being used in a role similar to how Christian Eriksen or Dele Alli were deployed at Tottenham. This approach has been successful, with Tillman scoring three goals and assisting one in his last five national team games and emerging as a breakout star in the Gold Cup run.
Success will require more than just one player. Patrick Agyeman has been getting into good scoring positions, while Brenden Aaronson and Diego Luna have provided creative sparks. If these players maintain their form in the quarterfinals, they can significantly bolster their chances of making Pochettino`s World Cup squad.
Other Football Headlines
- USWNT brush Ireland aside: USWNT defeated Republic of Ireland 4-0 in Denver, with Rose Lavelle returning. They will play Ireland again.
- New deal for Ronaldo: Cristiano Ronaldo extended his Al-Nassr contract for two years, keeping him at the Saudi club until age 42 with his salary unchanged.
- NWSL Team of the Week: Sandra Herrera`s latest NWSL Team of the Week features players like Kayla Sharpes and Sam Coffey.
- Tillman edging ahead of Reyna: The battle for the starting number 10 spot under Mauricio Pochettino is ongoing, with Malik Tillman potentially gaining an edge over Gio Reyna.
- Giroud heading home: Olivier Giroud is reportedly close to leaving MLS and joining Ligue 1 side Lille after a frustrating spell.
- EFL fixtures arrive: The EFL fixtures for the upcoming season starting August 1 have been released, outlining the opening weekends.
- Messi`s PSG reunion: Ahead of Lionel Messi`s match against Paris Saint-Germain, a look back at some of his highlights from his time in France.
- CWC hub: Information needed to follow the Club World Cup games, standings, and talking points is available.
Benedict Kingsley