In a rematch of the Nations League finals, the United States men’s national team receives an unfortunate reward for winning Group A in the form of the Canadian national team. The Canucks responded by tying their first two games in the group stage by shooting four goals past Cuba, but the defense was still a concern by allowing two goals in the game. In three games of the Gold Cup, Canada has now allowed four goals, while only Jesus Ferriera has scored six for the United States. Without Milan Borjan for this game, John Herdman will worry about how his team will slow down the hosts.
Here are our storylines, how to watch the match and more:
How to watch and opportunities
- Date: Sunday 9 July | Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Place: TQL Stadium — Cincinnati, Ohio
- TV: FS1 | Live stream: fubo TV (Try for free)
- Chances: United States -155; Sign +265; Canada +410 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
United States: This is playing in Cincinnati and this will be a homecoming game for Matt Miazga and Brandon Vazquez who play their club football for FC Cincinnati. Miazga in particular shone during the Gold Cup, as he was able to start the USMNT as center back and keep a clean sheet in consecutive games. James Sands is also someone who has played a key role in defence. He broke everything for him and also helped midfielders on their way to creating attacks. They have an attack with Djordje Mihalovic who scores two goals and gives two more assists and Gianluca Busio who scores a goal and gives two more assists.
Sands’ presence allowed the midfielders to be more adventurous for him, using the space to keep the defense sharp. With Canada struggling, they can continue that in this game, which could lead to another lopsided score.
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Canada: Without their top forwards, Canada has had a balanced attack, with all of their Gold Cup goals to date coming from different players. That anyone can beat you is something the USMNT should watch out for, but Canada’s defense may not be able to withstand the United States’ onslaught. With Borjan injured, Dayne St. Clair is expected to start in net. A starter for Minnesota United, St. Clair is familiar with many members of the USMNT, but he will have quite a challenge. Kamal Miller will also be relied upon to track Ferreira, but the USMNT press will also try to be aware of his hitting prowess as he is also key to Canada’s build-up.
Prediction
Picking up where he left off, Ferreira scored in a third game in a row as the USMNT shows the gap in Concacaf widening. Choose: United States 3, Canada 1