Turner becomes penalty hero – USA in semis

Defending USA in the semifinals on penalties: keeper Matt Turner.
IMAGO/USA TODAY NETWORK

Both teams went into the knockout rounds with changes compared to the last match of the group stage: for the USA, Roldan (Bank) was replaced by Franck-born Kresel, while for the Canadians Vittoria Fraser (Bank) played defense (Bank).

Knockout for assistant referees

The game began with a long interruption: after 60 seconds of play, Canadian defender Miller wanted to come out of the sideline, but hit the ball hard in the face of the assistant referee. Then guide in the cabin. Ten minutes had passed before the fourth official took over on the touchline and restarted play.

The game was tied when the ball rolled again. The US had some more possession, but neither side had clear chances for long. Only in extra time in the first half did the favorites get lucky twice: first, Reynolds missed his own goal by mere centimeters (45+3).

Later, after a handball by Robinson in the US penalty area, Canada could have been awarded a penalty, but the Mexican referee decided against the penalty decision despite VAR intervention (45+7).

Vitoria opposes local hero Vasquez

After the break, the Americans had clear-cut chances, even if clear-cut chances were few and far between early on. However, with the first changes, the game became a little more open. Puccio forced Canada’s keeper St. Clair to make the first save (68′), Joker and MLS leaders FC Cincinnati’s local hero Vasquez crossed the goal moments later (75′).

In the 88th minute, Vasquez headed in a Jones cross to make it 1-0. The result? not at all! Canada were awarded a penalty this time after another clumsy handball by Robinson in their own penalty area, which Vitoria converted to make it 1-1 in injury time (90+3). This sent the game into overtime.

Then comes the turner – a wild extension

And then it went back and forth. First, Canada’s Russell-Rowe shot over the goal (94′), while Miaska on the other hand forced the St. Clair goalkeeper to make a brilliant save with a header (104′). Shortly after the start of the second half of extra time, Schaffelburg scored with a low solo shot to make it 2-1 (109th). But this time it was America who countered quickly – luckily: because a Buzio shot was again parried by the strong St. Clair, but the ball bounced back from teammate Kennedy into the Canadian goal (114′).

The renewed tie finally ensured a penalty shoot-out for the semi-finals: here the USA eventually won. Thanks to Arsenal keeper Turner, who saved the first two Canadian penalties (from Vitoria and Fraser) and set the stage for the breakthrough.

In Thursday’s semifinal, the United States will face Panama, who had already beaten Qatar 4-0 on Saturday (local time). Mexico and Jamaica beat Guatemala 1-0 on Sunday in the second semi-final with Bell scoring (local time).