Happy weekend! What better way to enjoy a holiday weekend than with a packed schedule of tournament soccer? Games are coming thick and fast, both in the U.S. and across the Atlantic.
Soccer World Remembers Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota, a Premier League champion with Liverpool and Portugal national team player, tragically died in a car accident on Thursday in Spain. His younger brother, Andre Silva, also passed away in the accident. Jota was 28, and Silva was 25.
This devastating news prompted widespread tributes to Jota and condolences to his family, including his wife, Rute Cardoso, and his three young children. Moments of silence were held before matches, including Portugal`s game against Spain at the Women`s Euro. Teams wore black armbands, and many fans displayed images and signs honoring Jota. Teammates and colleagues from around the globe shared messages on social media, remembering him not just as a brilliant player but also for the positive impact he had as a person.
“This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can`t see it! I`m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace.” – Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager
“They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.” – Ruben Neves, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Portugal teammate
“For the team and the Club, we`ll try to cope with this together… however long that takes. For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy. I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now. It`s the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun. … I can`t believe we`re saying goodbye. It`s too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo.” – Andy Robertson, Liverpool teammate
USMNT Set to Face Mexico in Gold Cup Final
The U.S. men`s national team will compete against Mexico in the Concacaf Gold Cup final on Sunday. This marks the first time in four years these regional rivals will meet in the championship match, presenting a significant opportunity for a young USMNT squad to conclude their summer campaign on a high note.
Mauricio Pochettino`s side secured their place in the final with a 2-1 victory over Guatemala in the semifinals on Wednesday. That match offered mixed observations for an inexperienced USMNT roster. Diego Luna was the standout player, scoring twice within the opening 15 minutes. His rapid progress with the national team continues, strengthening his case for inclusion in next year`s World Cup squad. The 21-year-old now has three goals and four assists in 11 appearances for the USMNT. His performances, along with fellow Gold Cup standout Malik Tillman, suggest that Pochettino might introduce a new-look midfield in the coming months, potentially impacting players like Gio Reyna.
Sunday`s final is a prime chance for Luna, Tillman, and others to make a strong impression and potentially secure the first statement win of Pochettino`s tenure with the USMNT. It`s also an opportunity to refine areas needing improvement, particularly in defense. While Pochettino`s experimental Gold Cup squad has successfully identified new attacking options, there are noticeable vulnerabilities at the back. The USMNT`s defensive performance against Guatemala was shaky, requiring Luna`s early goals to see them through. Mexico is expected to pose a much tougher challenge, testing not only World Cup hopeful wingbacks Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman but also likely roster locks like center backs Chris Richards and Tim Ream.
Regardless of Sunday`s result, the summer run will yield valuable lessons. However, for the USMNT to truly forge a redemption arc after a year of disappointing results, lifting the Gold Cup trophy – the last available piece of silverware before the World Cup – will be crucial.
Top Stories
- Tributes continue for Diogo Jota, remembered for his exciting and entertaining style of play on the pitch.
- Former Arsenal player Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the U.K., related to incidents from 2021 to 2022.
- The USWNT defeated Canada 3-0 on Wednesday, with a youthful squad performing impressively in the ongoing experimental phase under coach Emma Hayes.
- A ranking of the quarterfinal matchups at the Club World Cup, featuring the remaining eight teams.
- An overview and ranking of Chelsea`s extensive roster of 20 strikers currently associated with the club, as pressure mounts to streamline the squad.
