Shocking Upset Rocks Gold Cup as USMNT's Semifinal Rival is Revealed
The United States men's national soccer team has advanced to the Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals following an exciting encounter against Costa Rica. Although their upcoming challenge was anticipated to be a revenge match, an unexpected contender had different plans.
Guatemala, ranked 106th globally by FIFA, achieved a stunning victory over Canada at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Consequently, the USMNT must postpone their opportunity for payback from the Concacaf Nations League third-place playoff and will instead meet Guatemala in the semifinal round.
Guatemala fell behind early when Jonathan David converted a penalty kick in the 29th minute. The match dynamics shifted in the second half following Jacob Shaffelburg's red card, allowing Rubio Rubin to level the score. Luc De Fougerolles's penalty miss proved costly for Jesse Marsch's team in the shootout, as Guatemala celebrated one of the tournament's most significant upsets.
Although the USMNT enters as favorites in the semifinals, similar to Canada's position, the expectation to progress continues. They were expected to beat Costa Rica but found it difficult to control the match. Max Arfsten redeemed himself after conceding a first-half penalty by setting up Diego Luna and netting his maiden senior international strike, though victory didn't come easily.
Costa Rica managed to equalize in the second period, forcing a crucial penalty shootout. This provided entertainment, though tense, for spectators at both matches. Matt Freese delivered three crucial saves against Juan Pablo Vargas, Francisco Calvo, and Andy Rojas, compensating for Sebastian Berhalter's miss and John Tolkin's blocked attempt. Damion Downs converted the decisive penalty to secure the USMNT's advancement.
Should they overcome Guatemala, they will meet either Mexico or Honduras in the final. Mexico eliminated guest participant Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals, while Honduras achieved their own surprise by knocking out Panama.