International Football
USA stun Mexico in extra time to win Gold Cup
The United States claimed their seventh Concacaf Gold Cup title on Sunday night (Aug 1) with a thrilling 1-0 extra time win over defending champions Mexico in Las Vegas.
Miles Robinson headed in the winner, soaring over Mexican defender Edison Alvarez deep into the extra time and bouncing it past goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera to set off a wild celebration at the Allegiant Stadium.
“I am happy we got the win,” said Robinson. “Just awesome, crazy emotions. I knew if I could get open and get a half step then I could finish it.”
Matt Turner was also superb in goal for the upstart Americans, who finished undefeated in the biennial North American showcase tournament.
This was the American team’s first Gold Cup title since 2017, and avenged their defeat to Mexico in the 2019 final.
The US have now defeated Mexico in back-to-back tournaments for the first time. They also beat Mexico in extra time in the Concacaf Nations League final in June.
The game was played in Las Vegas but it might as well have been Mexico City, with the flag-waving, sold-out crowd of over 60,000 a sea of Mexican supporters in green and red.
It was a familiar scene for the American team, used to being treated like a visiting team on home soil whenever they play Mexico.
Seeking their ninth Gold Cup win, Mexico controlled the first half but the US fought back after the break, carrying their momentum into extra time.
Robinson scored the winner in the 118th minute after teammate Kellyn Acosta sent a deep free kick into the 18 yard box.
The USA made the final thanks to Turner’s heroics, despite fielding one of their youngest lineups ever in a Gold Cup.
Both Turner and Talavera made huge saves Sunday, to keep it scoreless through regulation.
Turner, who plays for the New England Revolution of the MLS, started every game and posted five shutouts.
He is hoping his performance in the Gold Cup will earn him a spot on the national team for World Cup qualifying.
Turner was frequently tested in Sunday’s game, especially in the first half, when he kept his team in the contest. One of his best saves came in the 30th minute, when he stopped Mexico’s Rogelio Funes Mori from close range.
Funes Mori headed the ball to himself to get behind the US defence, but he couldn’t beat Turner in tight.
Turner, who was named Best Goalkeeper of the event, also made a brilliant save on a Funes Mori header off a corner kick in the 11th minute, diving to keep the ball out of the net.
Mexico came out flying to start the second half and had a trio of chances in the first seven minutes but were unable to find the target.
That’s when the US started to create some quality chances that were missing in the first half for them.
Talavera’s best save came in the 74th minute when American Paul Arriola won a footrace to a loose ball but couldn’t beat the Mexican keeper, who somehow managed to block it with his upper body.
-AFP
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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