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Gold Cup final loser Bob Bradley officially sacked as USA’s national team coach
According to reports, this decision came following an encounter between Bob Bradley, U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn and U.S Soccer president Sunil Gulati at The Home Depot Center. On Thursday, Gulati declared:“We want to thank Bob Bradley for his service and dedication to U.S. Soccer during the past five years. During his time as the head coach of our Men’s National Team he led the team to a number of accomplishments, but we felt now was the right time for us to make a change.
“It is always hard to make these decisions, especially when it involves someone we respect as much as Bob. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Mexico Gold Cup winner Chicharito ruled out for Barcelona vs Manchester United
The Mexican suffered a knock on his head during training earlier this week. He was eventually hospitalized and reports from Manchester United’s camp now confirm that Chicharito will be out for at least 2 weeks ahead of the new season.Alex Ferguson gave more details to reporters in a recent interview. The Old Scot also explained the main reason behind Javier Hernandez’s inability to feature in the Red Devils’ encounter against Barcelona. Ferguson was quoted as saying by the press in the US:
“He [Chicharito] got concussion in training and we dealt with that. We took him to hospital, he had a scan. It was all clear. He is back in the hotel. He is in his room and will be out for a couple of weeks.
Gold Cup Final: What USA Vs Mexico Could Mean For Rising Phenomenon Chicharito
In football, we have rivalries that captivate attention. But the 2011 Gold Cup final will pit two teams that have massive history between themselves- and Javier Hernandez could be the determining factor tomorrow. Clashes between these two CONCACAF powerhouses have been eventful every time their take on the field for an undisputable battle. Mexico claim to be the best footballing nation in their region while the USA certainly gains pride and recognition whenever they beat the Mexicans.But you see, this year’s final is a representation of much more factors than plain rivalry. We have a USA team that has been on the rise ever since their impressive outings in last summer's World Cup. We have a Mexico side brimming with splendid youth talent that is threatening to colonize the CONCACAF region. Yes, we are indeed relating it to Chicharito.
Gold Cup Final: Can USA Stop Mexico's Perfect Gold Cup Flow?
Whenever there is a Mexico vs USA clash, you can be sure that fireworks will explode. Such is the level of intensity in clashes between these two sides. And to think that it all dates back to 1934 when both sides met in a play-off tie to earn a World Cup spot makes it a special rivalry to behold.Football is indeed a noble game and Mexico have been an icon of what noble is all about is this year's edition of the Gold Cup. Almost flawless since the tournament began and there has been this element of flair in their style of play. Could it the key tomorrow? By all means.
Can Invitees Costa Rica Find Gold Cup Consolation In The 2011 Copa America?
Quarter-final losers Costa Rica have nothing more to dream about when it comes to their 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign. The Central American side can now turn its focus on the Copa America after penalty nightmares prevented them from going past Honduras last Saturday.
Ex-Mexico manager Ricardo La Volpe, who blamed Costa Rica’s Gold Cup quarter-final defeat on football’s “lottery” factor, will guide an improved U-23 team during the 2011 Copa America. Following the...
Gold Cup: Can Panama Destroy The U.S. Hoodoo?
Julio Cesar Dely Valdes and his Panama team will be keen to avoid deja vu when they take on the USA tomorrow. Panama have suffered close defeats against the Americans in their past three Gold Cup encounters and Dely Valdes knows that there will be zero-tolerance over any mistakes they make against Bob Bradley's team."You can't make mistakes," Dely Valdes said. "You have to be very concentrated and very focused. You can't really give them a lot of space. You make errors against the U.S. and they make sure you will pay. So they're going to do everything they can to make sure they make the least amount of errors and come on top in the game."
Gold Cup: Grenada's Rocastle Set To Miss Honduras Clash
Grenada's Gold Cup campaign started in disappointment as they were thrashed 4-0 by Jamaica last weekend. Now, things have certainly gotten worse for them as Craig Rocastle is set to miss their next encounter against Honduras.Rocastle picked up an injury in their defeat to Honduras and the player himself stated that while the injury is likely to prevent him from playing this Friday, he hopes to be able to feature in their third match against Guatemala next week.
"I woke up this morning and there's a bit of improvement," he said. "The swelling has been managed well with all the ice and the stuff that I've been getting treated with, and I wouldn't say I was out. Not too sure on the possibility of playing the next game, but maybe the last game.
Gold Cup: Cuba's Campaign Gets Tougher With Mexico Next On The List
Cuba is indeed more of a baseball nation compared to the level of football over there. However, they arrived at the Gold Cup with hopes of making an impression of what they have got to offer when it comes to football. However, they have built themselves a massive mountain to climb now after losing 5-0 in their opening match against Costa Rica.But things are certainly about to get worse for the Cubans. Next on their troublesome list is indeed no one else than Mexico. Javier Hernandez and co opened their campaign in style after a second half hat-rick by the Manchester United man earned them a deserving 5-0 win over El Salvador. And for Thursday, even Cuba know the level of difficulty they face.
Gold Cup: Landon Donovan Likely To Start In USA vs Canada
Good news has been delivered to all USA fans as Landon Donovan is expected to start against Canada tomorrow. Donovan missed the friendly defeat to Spain over the weekend but the sight of him working out with his teammates at the Detroit Lions training complex on Sunday definitely comes as a positive sign.Prior to that, Donovan missed two days of training and now, the man himself has declared himself fit for tomorrow's opening clash against Canada.
"I was breathing pretty hard but I feel pretty good and would expect to be fine by Tuesday," Donovan told reporters after practice at Allen Park.
2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup And 10 Historic Facts You Should Know
1) The United States was the first country to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup. USA emerged victorious in the first edition of the competition—then an 8-team contest—which they hosted in 1991. They defeated Honduras on July 7 that year at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, in front of nearly 40,000 spectators.2) Bora Milutinović and Bruce Arena are the only coaches who can boast of having won the Gold Cup more than once. Both managers have two titles in their name: Bora won his first with the USA (1991) and his second with Mexico (1996), while Bruce won both with the United States (2002 &2005).
Gold Cup: All Mexico Players Are Equally Important - Chicharito
Javier Hernandez is the obvious focal point of a very talented Mexican squad ahead of their Gold Cup match against El Salvador tomorrow. The Manchester United striker has has an excellent season with the Premier League champions but Chicharito was quick to point out that only good performances by the whole team will win them matches."I'm not flying the flag for Mexican football. I just come to work and try my hardest to be professional and to give everything for this shirt, because I am representing my country.
"Football is not a sport like golf. It is a team game and i have come to work with the team. I had a great season with Manchester United and hopefully i can carry it into the national team as well.
Mexico Vs El Salvador: We Need To Be Aggresive And Quick To Retain Gold Cup - Marquez
Mexico will kick off their Gold Cup campaign against El Salvador tomorrow and Rafael Marquez is already talking on tactics that will enable them a higher chance of retaining the title they won against the USA in 2009. He believes that they will need to implement the same brand of football they showcased two years ago.“The style that we’ve displayed for a few years now [is to be aggressive], and that style will prevail for now. So we’re going to try and play that way in this Gold Cup.
“I think we have to play our way, as we’ve always done, and not play a style that’s not ours and one that our rivals want us to play,” he added. “El Salvador won’t play as New Zealand did, so we’ll have to try to impose our style and maybe adapt [to El Salvador].”
USA vs Spain: Clint Dempsey Minimizes Friendly Value As Gold Cup Approaches
Being questioned on the importance of the game, forward Clint Dempsey referred to the imminent tie as “just a friendly”, according to USATODAY.com. Both countries met in the 2009 South African Confederations Cup, but even though the Americans handed La Roja a historic defeat that put an end to the Europeans majestic unbeaten record, Dempsey asserted that shocking the Spanish this time around was not a huge priority.“They are a great team and they are the world champions,” he admitted. “But our focus for that game is as preparation for the Gold Cup.”
Having confirmed that USA’s target was to emerge as CONCACAF champions, Dempsey reportedly went on to add: “Of course we want to win (against Spain), but we have more important games coming up.”
South Africa vs USA Friendly: Coach Bradley Looks At Gold Cup From Cape Town
In an interview ahead of his team’s flight to Cape Town, USA boss Bob Bradley revealed his view of the South Africa friendly which is meant to honor the Nelson Mandela Challenge. The coach was quoted as saying on USSoccer.com:
“This game is a good opportunity to look at some different players and assess their place in the pool as we continue to build for the next cycle.
“With our immediate focus on the Gold Cup next summer, this game, in many ways, is just as much the start of 2011 as it’s the end of a great year.”
Mexico v USA World Cup qualifiers Match Preview
The rivals will meet exactly 17 days after playing in the final of the just-ended Gold Cup competition. While the Americans will be seeking for revenge after suffering a humiliating 5-0 defeat against El Tri, Javier Aguirre will want to see his side ameliorate their chances of reaching the finals of the World Cup.
The situation couldn’t have been more thrilling for Mexico. Midway through the campaign, El Tri stand out of the guaranteed zone with only 6 points from 5 games and four points behind the USA who are second in the table.
Now, Mexico will meet their hottest rivals in a must-win game.
USA v Mexico Gold Cup Final Match Preview
As much as each of these two teams had their own way of making it to the final, they have their own reasons of wanting to lift the trophy – although it is both a matter of pride.
The strength of the USA
In reality, Americans' strength comes from the fact that every single player in Bob Bradley’s Gold Cup roster is equally good enough to replace another person in the team.
Mexico v Costa Rica Gold Cup semifinal Match Preview
But could it also be their last game of the tournament? It will be down to Costa Rica to make that happen against the wish of El Tri.
Coach Javier Aguirre’s three-match ban suspension effect
It seems like Aguirre’s suspension has positively pushed Mexico’s strength in mentality. Since his dismissal in the group stages against Panama, Mexico have bagged two victories along with two clean sheets as they booked their place in the semifinals of the Gold Cup tournament.
After toping Group C thanks to a 2-0 victory against Guadeloupe, the Mexicans set up a quarterfinal date with Haiti whom they heavily defeated 4-0 last Sunday. These two results surely gave Mexico the respect that they own in terms of pedigree.
USA v Honduras Gold Cup semifinal Match Preview
Both already met in the second round of the tournament and the Yankees run 2-0 victors. Will there be a repeat of this story or will Los Catrachos succeed in humbling the Gold Cup’s defending champions?
Honduras surely reached the semis on a controversial tone with Walter Martinez’s 35th minute penalty making the difference against Canada. With the political crisis currently existing in Honduras, the national football team might symbolize Thursday’s hot clash against the USA as a game for peace. Predictably, the importance of that encounter will be of a greater significance than much of Hondura’s previous games against the USA.
USA v Panama Gold Cup quarterfinal match preview
It was against the same country that Panama were denied the trophy some years ago. After 120 barren minutes characterized by a multitude of squandered chances, Panama and the USA had to sort things out with spot kicks. An awful performance in the penalty shootouts, where two kicks went wide while another was saved – cost Panama a 3-1 defeat to the USA. In the end, Panama had to be content with silver medals whereas the United States of America were crowned champions of the CONCACAF region for yet another time.
Will there be a repeat of history – this time, at the quarterfinal stage?
Canada vs Honduras - Gold Cup Quarter-Final Match Preview
Their key to success: defense. A clean sheet against Jamaica and El Salvador were vital for the Canadians who then conceded two goals against Costa Rica in the third round. Nevertheless, a draw in that game saw them book their place in the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup where they will now face favorites Honduras.
It was another story for Los Catrachos as they made it through to the next stage of the competition. After losing 2-0 to rivals USA, Honduras were left in a tricky position to qualify for the quarters. But Grenada succumbed to an inevitable 4-0 defeat against Honduras whereas Haiti were held by the Yankees. Eventually, Honduras qualified from Group B second best behind the United States of America.