Gold Cup: USA eliminates Canada in penalty shootout to advance to the Gold Cup semifinals

The United States defeated Canada and advanced to the Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals. The North Americans suffered more than necessary and had to go to penalties to overcome John Herdman's squad, who came very close to winning in extra time. Once in the penalty shootout, American goalkeeper Matt Turner ensured his team's victory and a place in the tournament's top four. Next stop? Panama.

The team led by B. J. Callaghan won the duel between the hosts, as the two countries are the cohosts of this tournament edition, whose first version took place in 1963 but which adopted its current format in 1991. The match went back and forth and had to go to extra time and penalties after the Canadians equalized late in the game.

Forward Brandon Vázquez opened the scoring for the United States in the 88th minute thanks to a powerful header that went just inside the right post past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. However, just as the referee was about to end the game, center-back Miles Robinson inadvertently handled the ball inside the box and gave Canada a penalty kick. Steven Vitória changed it into a goal in stoppage time and forced the match into extra time, in which Callaghan's team was superior.

Despite the U.S. dominance, Jacob Shaffelburg gave Canada the lead with a tremendous personal play and left-footed cross. Their joy was short-lived, however, as Scott Kennedy pulled a goal back to tie the game again in the 116th minute. The score remained unchanged until the end, giving way to a penalty shootout.

Matt Turner was the hero in penalties, saving two to make the final score 4-2 and guarantee their place in the top four of the tournament. With this victory, the United States earned the right to face Panama in the semifinals, which reached that stage after winning its match against Qatar, invited by CONCACAF to participate in the competition. The winner of this matchup will meet the winner of Mexico and Jamaica in the final on July 16.

The U.S. team is second only to Mexico (11) with the most Gold Cups in history (7). Both still have a chance to build on their record in this tournament, and fans eagerly await a hypothetical final between the two teams. In their last meeting, the Americans won 3-0 to advance to the final of the Concacaf Nations League. Four players were sent off on that occasion, and things got a little out of hand.

The U.S. teamed up with Turner, Reynolds, Busio, Sand, Ferreira, Robinson, Mihailovic, Jones, Zendejas, Neal and Gressel. At the same time, Canada fielded Clair, Miller, Vitoria, Cavallini, Hoilett, Millar, Bombito, McGraw, Ahmed, Osorio and Laryea.

To the semifinals

In the other quarterfinal match of the day, Jamaica defeated Guatemala 1-0. Amari'i Bell scored the only goal of the match in the 50th minute.

Panama previously defeated Qatar (4-0) and Mexico defeated Costa Rica (2-0).

The semifinals will be played on Wednesday, July 12. The United States will face Panama and Mexico will face Jamaica.