The summer of soccer continues its busy schedule. As the Gold Cup and Club World Cup approach their conclusions, another significant tournament is set to begin this week: the Women`s Euros in Switzerland, featuring 16 top national teams. This packed period also includes a notable friendly match for the U.S. Women`s National Team against Canada.
Defining Moments for U.S. Soccer Teams
The U.S. Men`s National Team takes center stage this week as they face Guatemala in the Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals. While historical records and odds favor Mauricio Pochettino`s squad, the current edition of the Gold Cup has been marked by surprising results, underscoring the USMNT`s opportunity to make a definitive statement in St. Louis.
The USMNT advanced to the semifinals after a challenging penalty shootout victory over Costa Rica on Sunday. This hard-fought quarterfinal match is seen by many as the first truly gritty and meaningful win under Pochettino`s leadership. He has entrusted the pursuit of the USMNT`s first Gold Cup title in four years to a relatively inexperienced group. Several players are beginning to make a strong case for themselves, notably Malik Tillman, who is set to join Bayer Leverkusen. Key contributions in the Costa Rica match also came from goalkeeper Matt Freese and young talents like defender Max Arfsten and midfielder Diego Luna.
Heading into the semifinals, the crucial question for the USMNT is whether they can build on the positive aspects from Sunday`s performance to generate genuine forward momentum and foster optimism, following a year of somewhat underwhelming results. A significant focus is on individual player performances, as everyone is competing for a place among the core group when the full-strength squad reconvenes later this year, all with an eye towards securing a spot on the roster for next year`s World Cup.
Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Women`s National Team is undergoing a similar phase of experimentation during their friendly against Canada, albeit with different stakes. Head coach Emma Hayes views this match as the conclusion of her extensive project to evaluate the broader USWNT player pool. It represents a final opportunity for young players to impress before Hayes shifts focus to building team chemistry over the next two years in preparation for the Women`s World Cup. Hayes is expected to have a wealth of strong options across various positions. One area receiving particular attention is the competition to potentially succeed Alyssa Naeher as the team`s primary goalkeeper. Mandy McGlynn, Claudia Dickey (who started games in the past week against Ireland), and Angelina Anderson are the goalkeepers currently in camp vying for this role.
Women`s Euros Kick Off, Club World Cup Quarterfinals Set
The summer of major international tournaments ramps up with the commencement of the Women`s Euros in Switzerland, which is expected to further highlight the growing strength and popularity of women`s soccer in the region. The tournament features a competitive lineup of teams with realistic title aspirations. Reigning world champions Spain are among the contenders, aiming to win the Euros for the first time and establish a dynastic legacy after their Women`s World Cup triumph two years ago. A resurgent Germany side also looks to build upon their bronze medal performance at last year`s Olympics. However, some pundits, like Sandra Herrera, argue that defending champions England are the team to beat, placing them at the top of pre-tournament power rankings. Led by coach Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses, despite some international retirements and withdrawals, retain a strong core from their 2022 winning squad and are well-equipped for another deep run. While there are questions in the goalkeeping position, it presents an opportunity for someone like Hannah Hampton to shine.
The tournament will serve as a significant platform for both Europe`s top teams and its best players, featuring established stars and those poised for breakout performances. This is particularly true for Spain, who still boast Ballon d`Or winner Aitana Bonmati, although her availability for the start of the tournament remains uncertain following a battle with meningitis. Spain possesses ample attacking talent and goalscorers who should be effective even without Bonmati fully fit or pulling the strings. The in-form, NWSL-based Esther Gonzalez is a key attacking option, while rising talent Claudia Pina is widely tipped to emerge as the game`s next big star with a strong showing in Switzerland.
Club World Cup`s Last Eight Confirmed
While action unfolds in Switzerland and the U.S., the Club World Cup paused briefly after its quarterfinalists were decided. Real Madrid advanced to the last eight on Tuesday with a 1-0 victory over Juventus and are set to play Borussia Dortmund in a rematch of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final; Dortmund secured their spot by defeating Monterrey 2-1. However, the highly anticipated clash between the Bellingham brothers will not happen yet, as Dortmund`s Jobe Bellingham is suspended for Saturday`s quarterfinal, leaving only Real Madrid`s Jude available for selection.
The most significant surprises of the competition so far occurred on Monday. First, Fluminense`s 2-0 win over Inter was an upset that seemed likely, given the Brazilian side`s pedigree (they are one of two remaining Brazilian teams, showcasing the country`s strength in the tournament) contrasted with Inter`s indifferent form in recent months. Even more surprising was Al-Hilal`s thrilling 4-3 extra-time victory against Manchester City. Despite City dominating with 30 shots, defensive sloppiness cost them dearly, allowing Al-Hilal to become the only team from outside Europe and South America still in contention.
Adrian Whitmore