When the United States Men’s National Team takes on Paraguay in its final game of the group stages, we will have a chance to see a story book moment unfold. Christian Pulisic, the 17-year-old wonderkid who is next in line as the bearer of the “Holy s*** he might be the chosen one” title in American soccer, will have a chance to play in his home state of Pennsylvania for the first time with the USMNT.
There is a time where we think that we are all humans, where Panama can hold on to Argentina and fight fiercely.
And then, the clock strikes the 61st minute. Lionel Messi trots on the field to remind us that he comes from up there.
Messi has the beard of an experienced captain and helps Argentina bloom in an explosion of goals.
Four in 24 minutes.
Argentina can hold back a rowdy Panama, who played good soccer until Messi came on the pitch, but Messi just showed the Albiceleste the way.
Bolivia were done and dusted before the match even started. Chile, the defending Copa champions, were determined to make the world’s 82nd ranked side suffer. It was all Chile could do to make up for their disappointing defeat to Argentina.
Chile spent the first hour of the match accumulating almost 80% of possession while limiting Bolivia to a single shot. In the 58th minute, Bolivia introduced little-known playmaker Jhasmani Campos. Campos must not have been following or paying attention to the script, because he immediately turned the game on its head.
Uruguay vs. Venezuela ended 1-0 in favor of La Vinotinto, as a Suarez-less Uruguay basically bowed out of the Copa America without a fight. Venezuela frustrated La Celeste, and continually hit them on the break to great effect, with Salomon Rondon scoring the lone goal. Neither team are assured of anything yet, but barring a shock result when Mexico take on Jamaica later tonight, Uruguay are out, and Venezuela are through.
Who would have thought Mexico would have had a tougher time with Jamaica than Uruguay? Despite the back and forth match, El Tri netted another 2-0 result against a Jamaican side that didn't take advantage of their opportunities. Chicharitos first goal of the tournament was a beauty, and now the Bundesliga star is just 1 goal away from tying all-time leading Mexican scorer Jared Borgetti. El Tri are now in the quarterfinals and will play Venezuela on Monday.
Mexico’s task in front of 80,000 plus supporters at the Rose Bowl had been clearly defined following Uruguay’s shock 1-0 defeat to Venezuela earlier in the day. Win and they advanced to the Copa America quarter-finals. Thanks to a powerful header from Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez and a neat finish from Oribe Peralta, Mexico have guaranteed their place in the Copa's knockout rounds.
Diego Maradona’s verbal influence has only increased since the heights of his playing days — the cult of his personality dictating that many give credence to his ill-thought-out claims. On Thursday, Maradona should’ve put his foot in his mouth once again when discussing the leadership qualities of his Argentine compatriot, Lionel Messi.
Yesterday in Peru's 2-2 tie with Ecuador Christian Cueva did one of Ecuador's defenders so dirty he might have to leave the sport forever. Heck, he might have to leave all of civilization behind and live in a cave and take a vow of silence and grow a big long beard after what Cueva did to him.
And, of course, we have some reaction shots.
Uruguay's Copa America odds took an unexpected hit Wednesday when coach Oscar Tabarez revealed star striker Luis Suarez will not be available tonight against Venezuela and may be out for the entire tournament.
From Yahoo:
"Luis Suarez is still in recovery, it's the 17th day, and he is still not ready. That being the case, he will not play," Tabarez told a press conference on Wednesday.
With Neymar sitting out of Copa America, someone has to fill the space. Phillipe Coutinho did so against Haiti Wednesday night as he put three balls past Haiti's goalkeeper to help Brazil snag 3 points and a 7-1 win. His first goal was a screamer that could have left a hole in the back of the net. Check out this blast from the youngster!
