With the favourites getting through the group stages unscathed, and some surprise names joining them, the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup quarter-finals threw up plenty of ties with intrigue.
Here’s what happened across the four clashes at BMO Stadium:
Canada vs Costa Rica
Bev Priestmann’s Canada cruised through the group stage without conceding, but they were pushed all the way by a dogged and combative Costa Rica side. Las Ticas were able to frustrate the Canadians for long spells and they were also architects of their problem, with Leon, Fleming, Lacasse and Huitema all spurning huge chances. They were almost stung in the 90th minute as La Sele broke, but Kailen Sheridan produced a stunning stop to take the game to extra-time. Tired legs and tired minds eventually showed in the 104th minute as substitute Evelyne Viens popped up in the right place to head past Daniela Solera to book a spot in the semi-finals.
FT: Canada 1-0 Costa Rica
Brazil vs Argentina
Old rivalries were again renewed as these two South American giants clashed in Los Angeles, but the gulf between them was extremely wide. Vitória Yaya headed the opener for the Selecao after just 19 minutes to put them in control and they never looked back. Yasmim grabbed a 2nd for the rampant As Canarinhas after 36 minutes, before Bia Zaneratto opened her Gold Cup account just after half-time with a classy finish. Gabi Nunes popped up with number 4, and although Celeste Dos Santos thought she had the final word, and a crumb of consolation for Argentina after scoring the 82nd, Brazil had one final flourish. Zaneratto made it a brace for her with the last kick of the game to ensure a thumping win for Verde-Amarela against their fiercest rivals.
FT: Brazil 5-1 Argentina
Mexico vs Paraguay
Pedro López’s side produced one of the best performances of the tournament in the group stages by stunning the USA to top Group A, and they started this quarter-final in a similar blistering fashion. La Tri opened the scoring after 31 minutes, with Jacqueline Ovalle scoring her 4th of the tournament. The Mexicans continued to dominate and rack up the shots and when Karen Luna made it 2 just after half-time, the tie looked like a foregone conclusion. Camila Barbosa had other ideas as she headed home to halve the deficit on the 64th, but Ovalle restored the 2-goal lead minutes later as she scored her 5th of the tournament. Rebeca Fernández did raise hopes of a late Paraguay comeback as she scored in the 72nd minute, but in the end, Mexico marched on into the last four.
FT: Mexico 3-2 Paraguay
USA vs Colombia
A lacklustre performance against Mexico had raised concerns that the USA might be about to face another disappointing tournament exit, but they dispelled those fears in some fashion against Colombia. Las Cafeteras simply could not cope with early US pressure and Jorelyn Carabali’s clumsy challenge on Alex Morgan gave the Stars and Stripes a 13th-minute penalty. Lindsey Horan dispatched it in style, before Linda Caicedo’s cheap foul on Jenna Nighswonger presented the USA with another good chance to score. Nighswonger herself finished it off with aplomb to give the tournament hosts a commanding lead and in the final minutes of the first half, Jaedyn Shaw converted a third for the Americans. The second half passed by with little incident, as Colombia tried desperately in vain to get back into the tie, but Twila Kilgore’s interim spell as USA boss continued smoothly. Another semi final for the Stars and Stripes!
FT: USA 3-0 Colombia
The semi-finals take place on Wednesday, March 6th at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego:
Brazil vs Mexico 16:00 Local Time/19:00 PT
Canada vs USA 19:15 Local Time/22:15 PT
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