The USMNT defeated Qatar by a score of 1-0 in the Gold Cup semifinals on Thursday night at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Here are the player ratings from Thursday’s win.
The United States Men’s National Team booked their ticket to another Gold Cup Final with a sufferable 1-0 win over the Asian champs. It was the fourth 1-0 win for the U.S. in this tournament.
After controlling 61 percent of the possession in the first half, the USMNT looked extremely fragile and were outshot 13-3 in the first 45 minutes. They made some good adjustments and improved in the second half, which supplied the game’s two biggest plays.
The first of the two plays came in the 56th minute when James Sands brought down Akram Afif in the box. After letting the call go, the referee went to VAR, where he then controversially gave the penalty to Qatar. After a few minutes of mind games, Hassan Al Heidos stepped up and hit the penalty over the bar. At this point, the momentum shifted.
The other big play came in the 86th minute when Gyasi Zardes poked in the winner. It was a substitute to substitute link up as Nicholas Gioacchini found Zardes for the late winner.
The USMNT now advances to Sunday’s Gold Cup Final in Vegas against Mexico. Here are the player ratings from Thursday’s win.
Player Ratings
Matt Turner – 8
Came up with two sensational saves in the first half to keep it scoreless. With four shutouts in five games, he still has yet to look shaky this tournament.
Sam Vines – 6
Another solid outing for Vines for the most part. Provided more service going forward. Had a tough start to the game defensively.
Miles Robinson – 7
The leader of the back once again. Was very confident and strong in everything he did.
James Sands – 5
Had a horrendous giveaway that nearly led to a goal seven minutes in. Nearly had an own goal in the 19th minute, but was bailed out by Turner. Also committed the foul on the penalty.
Shaq Moore – 7
Had a pair of crucial challenges in the first half. Needs to be better in isolation defense. Also set Dike up with a great chance, but Dike was unable to take advantage.
Sebastian Lletget – 6
Improved from Sunday, but still needs to be better. Needs to have better control of the midfield.
Kellyn Acosta – 7
Delayed the PK as much as possible with his antics. Might have saved the game for the U.S.
Gianluca Busio – 6
Not his best performance, but better than last time out. Decent in possession, but was unable to unlock the Qatar defense. Good defensive effort as well.
Matthew Hoppe – 7
Terrific ball for Dike in the 52nd minute. Another lively performance on the left side and was upset to be subbed off.
Daryl Dike – 4
Really lacking sharpness. Bad first touch in the 31st minute, big chance missed. Did well to hold the ball, but fired the pass out of bounds. Missed another chance in the 52nd minute.
Paul Arriola – 6
Didn’t provide too much on the right wing. Not a great showing from Arriola so far since his knockout stage return.
Substitutions
Gyasi Zardes – 8
Was in for about half an hour and was a major upgrade from Dike. Was more involved and his hunger was credited in the 86th minute with a goal. Would like to see him start on Sunday.
Reggie Cannon – 6
Added fresh legs on the right side and proved to be able to handle everything thrown his way.
Cristian Roldan – 6
Had about half an hour and didn’t have a great effect on the game. Hard to see him having much of a USMNT future after this.
Eryk Williamson – 7
Terrific appearance off the bench. Provided some stability in a game that was wide-open.
Nicholas Gioacchini – 8
Provided the game-winning assist. Great presence to find Zardes with the cutback ball.