Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has highlighted why 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is still crucial to his side ahead of Euro 2024.
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Ronaldo named in Portugal squad for Euro 2024
Martinez highlights forward's form for Al-Nassr
Veteran is top scorer in Saudi Pro League
WHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo has been named in Martinez's Portugal squad for Euro 2024, with the 39-year-old set to feature in his 11th major international tournament. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has made 206 appearances for Portugal and scored 128 goals and will hope to add to his tally in Germany. Martinez made it clear that Ronaldo deserves his place in the squad despite his advancing years due to the form he's shown in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.
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Ronaldo will be gunning for another title with Portugal after helping the national team win Euro 2016 and the inaugural Nations League in 2019. The veteran is one of seven forwards in the squad as Martinez has also selected Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Rafael Leao.
WHAT MARTINEZ SAID
He told reporters: "As for Cristiano Ronaldo, I think it's better to talk about statistics. A player who scores 42 goals in 41 games for his club shows continuity, a physical ability to always be fit and quality in front of goal that we really like and need.
"We don't make choices based on where the players play. We want to create the best team and call the 26 players who make up the best team. We monitor the players' individual performance and role that they have in the locker room. There are players who have secondary roles in important locker rooms and others who have important roles in less strong locker rooms. Since March 2023 until now, we have a lot of information."
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WHAT NEXT FOR PORTUGAL
Martinez's side will warm up for the tournament with friendlies against Finland, Croatia and Ireland in June. Portugal then go on to face Czechia, Turkey and Georgia in the group stages of Euro 2024.
Tottenham have been handed a transfer boost with one club "prepared" to entertain selling their star to Spurs, despite interest from Thomas Tuchel and Bayern Munich.
Postecoglou wants new centre-back at Tottenham
Lilywhites manager Ange Postecoglou is currently short of central defensive options behind his usual starting eleven, with Micky van de Ven's hamstring injury really weakening them in November.
The Dutchman was hauled off in a 4-1 defeat at home to Chelsea, which ended their early-season unbeaten streak, and Cristian Romero's suspension certainly didn't help matters at the time.
Sky source details innovative way Tottenham could now sign Conor Gallagher
The Blues could green-light his sale this winter.
By
Emilio Galantini
Dec 23, 2023
At one stage, Postecoglou was forced to play both Emerson Royal and Ben Davies as a makeshift centre-back pairing, but Romero's return to action has put an end to that drastic measure.
Davies has partnered the Argentine to great effect in recent weeks, for the most part, though Postecoglou has still been fairly adamant that Spurs should sign a new centre-back in January.
"We let Davinson Sanchez go after the window closed. We kind of knew we were taking a bit of a risk; we couldn't get the extra centre-back that we were trying to get in, and for the early part of the year that was fine," said Postecoglou to Sky on Tottenham's defensive conundrum.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
"But once we lost Micky [van de Ven], and Eric Dier's had some issues as well, we don't have another centre-back. Young Ash Phillips had just joined the club, so it's fair to say that we can't run the risk of that happening again, so that's obviously a priority for us in January.
"But again, we've got to get the right person. It's not just about bringing another body in, it's about getting the right one in and hopefully that'll happen."
The Lilywhites, according to reports in the last week, appear to have identified a top candidate in Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo.
The 23-year-old's excellent campaign in France has attracted attention from all over Europe, including from Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern.
Nice "prepared" to sell Todibo to Spurs
As per The Evening Standard, Spurs have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Todibo as we approach January.
The outlet, and reliable journalist Dan Kilpatrick, claim Nice are "prepared" to sell Todibo to Spurs despite incoming Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratfcliffe's ties to the Ligue 1 side.
Nice defenderJean-Clair Todibo.
Ratcliffe is about to take control of football operations at Man United, who are also chasing the France international, but the billionaire's share in Nice won't stop Tottenham from making a deal if they meet his asking price.
Todibo is also a target for Tuchel's Bayern, United, Liverpool, and AC Milan next month, but it is Spurs who making the first moves and have "entered" talks.
The centre-back is a real one to watch considering he could leave for just £35 million, with former Brazil star Dante calling his teammate a "leader" and "very strong" player.
"Of course, we would like Todibo to stay," said Dante at a recent press conference.
"But it can be complicated. We have to wait to see who will want to buy him and if everyone finds himself there. He is a leader, a very strong player mentally, he has improved a lot and he is ready to reach the very top level."
Inter Miami were hit with a severe weather delay ahead of kickoff vs D.C. United Saturday as Lionel Messi was also named to the starting XI.
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Messi back in XI
Miami taking on D.C. United
Herons hit with weather delay in warmups
WHAT HAPPENED?
Due to a severe weather delay in the buildup to the match, Inter Miami players were not able to take the field for warmups at their normal time. As such, the kickoff time is up in the air.
However, the Herons did name their starting XI, and Lionel Messi is officially back in the mix.
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The skies over South Beach do not look kind ahead of kickoff, with gray clouds, lightning and pouring rain taking center-stage at Chase Stadium.
Miami have asked fans in the stadium to "exit the seating bowl and seek shelter immediately."
They followed it up with status on the match, declaring "We will provide an update on the start of warm ups and kickoff when available."
DID YOU KNOW?
Luis Suarez and Christian Benteke are set to clash Saturday evening in a battle between the former Liverpool strikers. They are both tied at 11 goals scored in the race for the
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WHAT NEXT FOR MIAMI?
Miami will clash with D.C. once the weather clears up, in a battle between two top Eastern Conference sides.
Plymouth have revealed that Wayne Rooney won an 80-man race to become their new boss, with his passion shining through.
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Ex-England star flopped at St Andrew's
Lasted just 15 games in the West Midlands
Back in Championship coaching with Pilgrims
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Manchester United and England legend is determined to make a name for himself in management, with his ultimate goal being to return to Old Trafford at some stage. His reputation took a serious hit when lasting just 15 games at Birmingham – with Tom Brady and the Blues board quickly deciding to bring that failed experiment to a close.
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WHAT DEWSNIP SAID
Rooney is now back in the Championship at Plymouth, having also worked at that level with Derby, and Pilgrims director Neil Dewsnip has told of bringing United’s all-time leading goalscorer on board: “Birmingham City didn’t go great for him but even Sir Alex Ferguson has experienced the sack at St. Mirren. What do they say? The path to success is not always a straight line? He’s had a bump in the road but at Derby he was up against the odds and did well while D.C United almost made the MLS play-offs. Knowing the kind of person he is he would have learned from all that. He will use that as incredible motivation.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Dewsnip previously worked with Rooney during his time in Everton’s academy system and added on how and why the 38-year-old has been given another chance at Home Park: “Regarding the Plymouth job Wayne made the initial move that he wanted to be involved in the process of us looking for a head coach. We must have had around 80 showing an interest. We got it down to a smaller number and asked four to come for an interview. Wayne was one of them and deservedly won the day. He didn’t receive any favours. It came through very strongly that he was anxious to be actively involved again despite making a very favourable impression as a TV pundit. The desire was there. He has gone on record saying that one day he would like to become manager of Manchester United. In order to do that he convinced us he was full of enthusiasm and had fire in his belly to do the best he possibly can at Argyle. If he doesn’t then he won’t progress to his dream job.”
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WHAT NEXT FOR ROONEY?
Rooney has been appointed by Plymouth on a three-year contract, with his first task being to ensure that they remain in the second tier of English football. His vast experience will be put to good use there, with the plan being to quickly forget about the struggles that he endured at Birmingham.
Since Todd Boehly's arrival, Chelsea's transfer tactic has centred around signing players for the future rather than those currently in their prime. However, the Blues have struggled to regain their place in the Premier League's top four, with several arrivals struggling to get going at Stamford Bridge. The American is seemingly sticking to his ways rather than switching things up, however.
Reports suggest that the London club have now turned their attention towards beating Manchester United and a number of other clubs to the signature of one particular South American gem, with Boehly reportedly bidding hard for the youngster's signature.
Chelsea transfer news
Stagnating in the Premier League's mid-table for the second consecutive season, it's fair to say that Chelsea's summer rebuild hasn't exactly gone to plan so far. The Blues showed the exit door to the likes of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz to welcome Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and many more. Yet, even after splashing the cash, Boehly has seen the same results on the pitch. The American owner will hope that with time and players realising their potential, Mauricio Pochettino's side will find their best form. Potentially helping them on their way to that return could be a Brazilian gem too.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.
According to Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness, Chelsea are bidding hard to sign Estevao Willian, who is also known as Messinho at Palmeiras. The 16-year-old has also attracted the interest of Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, who are also doing the same and Chelsea, whereas Paris Saint-Germain are also keen in what could be a busy race for his signature.
Wherever Estevao decides to go, he must wait until he turns 18 years old to complete a move to Europe, handing the likes of Chelsea plenty of time to build their deal for the winger. Attracting plenty of interest, the teenager looks set to have a crucial decision to make when the time comes.
Estevao is a "huge talent"
The fact that Estevao is already reportedly attracting the interest of some of Europe's top clubs tells the story of a 16-year-old with the world at his feet. With a big decision to make, Chelsea will hope to eventually add the teenager to what is a squad increasingly full of potential. And whilst Boehly's transfer tactic is yet to work out, Estevao could eventually become the player that Chelsea have been looking to take centre stage for years to come, should he choose a move to Stamford Bridge. Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig has certainly been impressed by the youngster, posting on X:
Whilst Chelsea's attention should be focused on potential January arrivals, it should be seen as a positive that Boehly is planning for the future, especially when it comes to signing a player of Estevao's potential.
As the January transfer window enters its final stages, Leeds United are reportedly finally springing into action to potentially land some crucial reinforcements for Daniel Farke in pursuit of Championship promotion.
Leeds United transfer news
Whilst Leeds are yet to welcome a single reinforcement in the January transfer window, there's still time for things to change in dramatic fashion. The Whites' attention has seemingly been on landing a full-back this month, with the likes of Ryan Giles, Ben Johnson and Calvin Ramsay linked to Elland Road. This follows the termination of Djed Spence's loan, who endured a spell to forget in Yorkshire. Speaking on the end of Spence's loan, Farke said via BBC Sport:
"We analysed the first half of the season, especially the impressions made over the festive period. Obviously, when you make decisions in January it's not a short-term decision.
"We wanted to take the impressions of the festive period into account and share thoughts and discuss things. We came to the conclusion that we will end the loan for Djed [Spence], and he will return back to Tottenham. We are grateful for his time here and wish him all the best at Tottenham because he is a player of great potential and he's a cool guy with a really good heart."
Away from full-backs, meanwhile, the 49ers Enterprises could land an attacking reinforcement. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Leeds are "pushing" to sign Manuel Benson from Burnley and view the winger as a priority target to replace Wilfried Gnonto, who is looking likely to join West Ham. Tavolieri posted on X:
With just over 10 days remaining in the window, Benson is certainly one to watch as Leeds push to secure his signature.
"Fantastic" Benson could be an upgrade on Gnonto
Benson, of course, played a large part in Burnley's Championship title win last season, before going on to struggle when asked to make the same impact in the Premier League. However, a move to Leeds could quickly reignite his best form and perhaps even take those at Elland Road back to the Premier League in the process. Benson's Championship stats stand out when compared to Gnonto's stats.
Player
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Wilfried Gnonto
21
1
1
Manuel Benson
33
12
3
Benson earned deserved praise from Vincent Kompany last season, who said after Burnley's victory and the winger's goal against Bristol City:
“He’s got to score five in a row. It’s not a coincidence; it’s a skill he’s got. It’s the same as a striker being able to peel off to the back post and head it in.
Manuel Benson
“I can’t be handing solutions of how to deal with him, but it’s just the things he’s been doing since he was a kid. I’m still pushing him for tap ins- I want tap ins. In the end it’s something he’s comfortable doing and he will get goals that way. What he’s done for us is fantastic and from our side, that’s all we want."
The Women's World Cup finalists traded victories with France in their double-header, leaving them well positioned to seal qualification in July
Despite a disappointing defeat to France on Friday, England will go into their July camp knowing that wins over Ireland and Sweden will secure automatic qualification for the 2025 European Championship. Pessimistic fans would not have expected it to be in the Lionesses' hands after Les Bleues dealt them a real setback last week, but Sarina Wiegman's side bounced back brilliantly, securing a first win away in France since 1973 on Tuesday to ensure they go into their last two games in a good position.
That disastrous record across the channel would've been on the minds of those who made the short journey across to Saint-Etienne, with England's last win in such circumstances coming in a match where only two 35-minute halves were played. However, the Lionesses started brilliantly, creating enough chances to score more than the two goals they did by the break.
Wiegman couldn't count on No.1 goalkeeper Mary Earps for that second meeting with France, owing to a hip injury she innocuously picked up in the opening seconds of their first encounter four days earlier. Yet, it didn't matter because Hannah Hampton, her understudy, came up with a huge save in the final moments to preserve a 2-1 win, a reverse of the scoreline Les Bleues triumphed by in Newcastle.
England are still third in their qualifying group, but now sit level on points with Sweden and two behind France. Beat an Ireland side set to finish fourth in Norwich next month and follow it up with victory over the Scandinavian nation in Gothenburg, and the Lionesses can look ahead to booking in some friendlies for the second half of 2024. Fall short and it'll be the play-offs, where dangerous sides such as Italy and Belgium could be lurking to deny them a shot at defending their European title.
GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from England's latest camp…
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WINNER: Alessia Russo
Alessia Russo's England career to date has had plenty of ups and downs. She thrived at Euro 2022 as an impact substitute, struggled to have the same effect as a starter after that tournament, bagged some huge goals in the run to the 2023 Women's World Cup final, but has had questions asked of her since. In this camp, though, she showed the very best side of herself.
In truth, it was a surprise to see Russo in England's starting XI on Friday since the game came just seven days after she had featured in Arsenal's controversial post-season fixture in Australia, some 10,000 miles away. However, there was no sign of jet lag in her display in Newcastle, even if France emerged victorious. She was full of energy, willing to run at defenders and held the ball up well.
Four days later, she was even better. Russo's movement was superb in Saint-Etienne and helped her bag a fourth goal in six appearances for the Lionesses in 2024. There are still questions about how clinical she is, with her lacking her shooting boots in the first France game for sure, but this was a reminder of why Wiegman has so much faith in the 25-year-old. Given the lack of other true No.9s at her disposal, it was timely, too.
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LOSER: Mary Earps
Earps hit an impressive milestone on Friday night when she made her 50th appearance for England. Given how out of the picture she was when Wiegman arrived less than three years ago, it was a fantastic achievement and a testament to how trustworthy she has been in the Dutchwoman's tenure.
For it to end after just a few minutes then was sad. The Manchester United star couldn't hold back the tears after she sustained a hip injury less than 30 seconds into the match, from executing a simple pass.
Wiegman offered a positive update on Earps this week and expects her to be back in camp next month, but there is also the Hampton of it all. While the Lionesses' usual No.1 was absent, second-in-line Hampton stepped up big time in Saint-Etienne and has only intensified the competition for that place.
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WINNER: Hannah Hampton
Had Hampton not showcased her wonderful reflexes in the dying moments of England's trip to France, the outlook would be very different. It was another instance of her taking her chances with the Lionesses. This was the fourth that the 23-year-old has had in 2024, one of those enforced when Earps limped off on Friday, and she has performed so well in them that the No.1 shirt in Wiegman's team is slowly becoming more and more up for grabs.
It'll take something significant for Earps to lose that spot, it must be said, or a particularly bold decision from the coach. However, Hampton just continues to put herself in a good position when it comes to getting minutes for her country.
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LOSER: Alex Greenwood
It was known ahead of this camp that Wiegman had some big decisions to make in defence, with Leah Williamson and Millie Bright, her centre-back pairing for the Euro 2022 triumph, both in an England squad together for the first time in over a year. Yet, few anticipated her making calls that meant Alex Greenwood did not get on the pitch at all for this double-header with France.
Greenwood was one of the Lionesses' most in-form defenders throughout the 2023-24 season and one of the very best in the Women's Super League. Yes, Wiegman has roots in that Williamson-Bright partnership, but the former hasn't returned to her best since coming back from an ACL injury earlier this year, and Bright only got back on the pitch at the start of May following five months out. At worst, it felt possible that Greenwood would be moved to left-back, her previous role. At best, she'd pair one of them in the heart of defence.
That she wasn't involved at all was a shock and, in truth, harsh. The defensive areas may be extremely competitive, but the Man City star has every right to feel aggrieved about her role being reduced to one on the bench, given how brilliant she has been playing.
Kylian Mbappe could potentially return to action against the Netherlands as Didier Deschamps offered a positive update on the striker's broken nose.
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Mbappe suffered a broken nose against Austria
The swelling has considerably decreased
Likely to play against the Dutch with a mask
WHAT HAPPENED?
The French football sensation faced an unfortunate setback during France’s 1-0 victory over Austria on Monday night as the star striker was forced to leave the pitch in the latter stages of the game due to a broken nose, with blood visibly pouring down his shirt. The injury raised concerns about his availability for the rest of the Euro 2024 tournament, causing a wave of worry among French supporters.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
However, much to the relief of the French supporters, Mbappe returned to the training pitch on Wednesday, just days after the injury. He participated in light duties, wearing a bandage over his nose to protect the injury. This quick return to training was a promising sign for France, indicating that the striker might be able to play sooner than expected. The French squad arrived in Leipzig on Thursday afternoon, and Mbappe was seen without a bandage or mask as he got off the team bus, further fueling hopes of his quick recovery.
WHAT DESCHAMPS SAID
In a press conference, Deschamps confirmed that Mbappe’s recovery is progressing well. He stated: "Everything is going in the right direction after the major shock he had with the consequences, of course. Yesterday, he was able to go out and do a little activity. This will also be the case this evening. It’s moving in the right direction to make sure he can be available tomorrow."
Deschamps further confirmed that Mbappe will be wearing a protective mask for the remainder of the competition to safeguard his nose from further damage.
“Kylian will be wearing a mask,” Deschamps confirmed. “We don’t need to know the details of this mask. I think you have enough moles to know where the mask is coming from.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
Antoine Griezmann, Mbappe’s team-mate, also offered reassuring words about the striker’s condition.
“Kylian is doing very well, his nose has deflated a little. We’ll see until the last moment, depending on his feelings. I’m doing very well. We’re ready, everything is fine,” Griezmann stated.
Tottenham are now said to be preparing a "shock" late January bid to sign one "very underrated" midfielder after falling short in a move for Kalvin Phillips.
Spurs linked with new midfield signing before 1st February
Following the arrivals of both Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin, a fair few reports have suggested that manager Ange Postecoglou is also keen on signing a new central midfielder.
All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024
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Luke Randall
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The Australian has little faith in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg given he's started just five Premier League games this season, and the former Southampton man would have arguably had fewer chances if it wasn't for injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma have all been ahead of Hojbjerg in the pecking order, leading to repeated suggestions that he could well leave Spurs in favour of more game time.
If the 28-year-old does depart for pastures new after nearly four years in north London, Postecoglou wants a new midfield running man to replace him.
One man who's been heavily linked in this regard is Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, despite the 23-year-old now becoming a key player for arch-rivals Chelsea.
tottenham-conor-gallagher-dream-xi-jan-opinion
As we fast approach January deadline day, members of the media like journalist Darren Lewis have refused to rule out a Spurs move for the "very underrated" ace.
"I’m not sold on the idea that it would be impossible for him to come to Spurs and here’s why," said Lewis to the Last Word on Spurs podcast this week.
" I didn’t think Chelsea would sell Mason Mount to a rival, and they sold him to Man Utd for £60m. He was a poster boy for the academy, I just think as far as Gallagher is concerned there is that problem with PSR with Chelsea. I think he would be an excellent fit for Spurs, and working for a manager like Postecoglou who puts his arm around a player, I think Gallagher could really settle down."
Tottenham preparing "last-gasp" Gallagher bid
Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey have shared an update on the saga, claiming Tottenham are now readying a "last-gasp" and "shock" bid for Gallagher.
Talks have apparently been held between Spurs and Chelsea already, and while he is expected to cost a marquee fee, that hasn't stopped the Lilywhites from taking their chances.
All confirmed Tottenham deals for January
Transfer
Timo Werner
Arrival
Radu Dragusin
Arrival
Eric Dier
Exit
Djed Spence
Exit
Ashley Phillips
Exit
Ivan Perisic
Exit
Japhet Tanganga
Exit
Sergio Reguilon
Exit
This comes after "failing to sign [Kalvin] Phillips" from Man City, who's now put pen to paper on a loan move across London at West Ham.
Starting 20 league matches this season, Gallagher is currently their best-performing player by average match rating per 90 according to WhoScored, and is level with Cole Palmer in terms of Chelsea's highest number of assists.
The U.S. were undone by their own mistakes, including Tim Weah's red, now face a do-or-die clash with Uruguay
If the U.S. men's national team fails to make it out of this Copa America group stage, they'll look back at one Tim Weah swing of the arm as the reason why. In tournaments such as this, margins are so fine and, sometimes, legacies live and die by one moment of madness.
That's what Thursday's match in Atlanta boiled down to: chaos personified. Fans of CONCACAF will know it well, as well the USMNT, but, on this night, the U.S. could do nothing to stop their own self-inflicted spiral.
It ended 2-1 to Panama, who took advantage of Weah's recklessness. The USMNT winger's punch, which saw him sent off just 18 minutes in, could prove the moment that defines this particular USMNT group. They wanted a challenge this summer and now they'll get it. Their fate will now depend on their final group stage game against Uruguay next Monday.
It didn't have to be this way. Prior to Weah's dismissal, the U.S. was cruising. They had an early goal ruled out by an offside call, but it felt like a matter of time. Then Weah's punch happened, and the game spun into chaos.
Folarin Balogun temporarily eased any doubts with a golazo moments after the red, but Panama answered back almost immediately with a goal from Cesar Blackman. From there, the game devolved into a dogfight and, for a while, it looked like the U.S. would be able to squeak out a draw.
Ultimately, they couldn't. An 83rd-minute goal from Jose Fajardo sealed Panama's victory. And the U.S. was unable to fight back.
They'll get another chance against Uruguay. Coach Gregg Berhalter will likely be coaching for his job in that match. This particular group will, at least partly, be playing for their legacy. Few saw it coming, but the Uruguay match is now poised to be one of the biggest in this program's history. It didn't have to be, but that's the situation that the USMNT have created, largely thanks to their own costly mistakes.
GOAL rates the USMNT's players from Mercedes-Benz Stadium…
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Goalkeeper & Defense
Matt Turner (5/10):
Never recovered from a collision early in the first half that led to a clear injury. Does a healthy Turner stop Blackman's shot? You have to wonder, and it seemed the U.S. coaching staff did too as they switched to Ethan Horvath for the second half.
Antonee Robinson (8/10):
Just so unbelievably steady, which is even more important in a game like this. A calming presence throughout that really helped steady the USMNT defense. Credited with the assist, too, although, that was really all Balogun.
Tim Ream (5/10):
Was a little unlucky to be called off on what could have been the opening goal. Had some nervy moments defensively, though, as his pace, or lack thereof, is a problem for this U.S. group.
Chris Richards (5/10):
Had some scary, scary moments. Could have done more to throw himself in the way of Blackman's shot, too. Overall, the USMNT needed a calming performance at centerback, and this wasn't it.
Joe Scally (7/10):
Did little to nothing on the ball, but was fantastic defensively. In this game, the USMNT needed that in a big way.
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Midfield
Tyler Adams (5/10):
Still not 90 minutes fit, which led to his halftime removal. During the first half, though, he was a bit sloppy on the ball and a bit too aggressive off of it given the USMNT's man disadvantage.
Weston McKennie (5/10):
Just didn't really do much of anything for most of the match, save for one fantastic cross for Pepi late on. Didn't get on the ball often and didn't really have any big defensive contributions. A rough day for the Juventus midfielder, who did a lot of running but not a lot of helping.
Gio Reyna (6/10):
From the moment Weah was sent off, you knew Reyna would be sacrificed at some point. He made it through the first half, fighting hard in midfield, but, ultimately, the USMNT needed more steel than creativity.
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Attack
Christian Pulisic (7/10):
Extremely dangerous when he did get on the ball. He had a connection with Balogun several times, as that duo threatened Panama on their own. Almost lost his cool at the end when hacked down by Coco Carasquilla, with the Panama star earning a late red card for his horrible foul.
Folarin Balogun (8/10):
An absolutely monstrous performance from the USMNT's newest No. 9. The goal was fantastic and he was very, very close to getting another. Despite his team being down a man, Balogun was the most goal-dangerous player on the field, which is a testament to how good he was.
Tim Weah (2/10):
You simply can't make that mistake. The only way Panama has a chance to win this game is to make the match ugly, and Weah got sucked into it just a few minutes in. It was just plain stupid and unnecessary.
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Subs & Manager
Ethan Horvath (6/10):
It's so hard to come into a game cold as a goalkeeper. Horvath made a few saves and there was nothing he could really do on the goal. A chance to be a hero, but it wasn't to be.
Johnny Cardoso (5/10):
Like McKennie, he largely did a whole lot of running as the USMNT hoofed it towards Pulisic and Balogun whenever they got the ball.
Cameron Carter-Vickers (4/10):
Extremely nervy. Was a bit too aggressive on multiple occasions, leading to several legitimate Panama penalty shouts. You can't put yourself in that position when down a man, and he was lucky to escape each time.
Ricardo Pepi (4/10):
Again, he had a chance. Unfortunately, his body wasn't quite in the right position to get power on a header that could have changed this tournament for the USMNT.
Josh Sargent (N/A):
Came on late as the U.S. rolled the dice, but couldn't do anything.
Gregg Berhalter (5/10):
He'll get blamed for this, but what more could he have done? An early red card, a goalkeeper injury, some crazy defending – this was a day in which everything went wrong. It'll all come down to the Uruguay game for the USMNT, and that might just be a day in which Berhalter coaches for his job.