Hello! It`s a great time for football fans, with plenty of tournament action happening this holiday weekend in the U.S. and Europe. Here`s a quick rundown of the latest news and upcoming games.
Upcoming Matches
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Friday, July 4
- 🇪🇺 Women`s Euro: Denmark vs. Sweden, 12 p.m.
- 🇪🇺 Women`s Euro: Germany vs. Poland, 3 p.m.
- 🏆 CWC: Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal, 3 p.m.
- 🇺🇸 MLS: FC Dallas vs. Minnesota United, 8:45 p.m.
- 🏆 CWC: Palmeiras vs. Chelsea, 9 p.m.
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Saturday, July 5
- 🇪🇺 Women`s Euro: Wales vs. Netherlands, 12 p.m.
- 🏆 CWC: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern München, 12 p.m.
- 🇪🇺 Women`s Euro: France vs. England, 3 p.m.
- 🏆 CWC: Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund, 4 p.m.
- 🌍 WAFCON: Morocco vs. Zambia, 4 p.m.
- 🇺🇸 MLS: Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City, 7:15 p.m.
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Sunday, July 6
- 🌍 WAFCON: Senegal vs. Congo DR, 10 a.m.
- 🇪🇺 Women`s Euro: Norway vs. Finland, 12 p.m.
- 🌍 WAFCON: Nigeria vs. Tunisia, 12 p.m.
- 🇪🇺 Women`s Euro: Switzerland vs. Iceland, 3 p.m.
- 🌍 WAFCON: Algeria vs. Botswana, 3 p.m.
- 🇺🇸 MLS: Seattle Sounders vs. Columbus Crew, 5:15 p.m.
- 🏆 Gold Cup final: USMNT vs. Mexico, 7 p.m.
Remembering Diogo Jota
The football world is mourning the tragic death of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool and Portugal player, and his younger brother Andre Silva. Both died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday. Jota was 28, and Silva was 25.
News of their deaths led to a wave of tributes and condolences from across the sport. Messages poured in for Jota`s wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three young children. Moments of silence were held at matches, including the Women`s Euro game between Portugal and Spain, where players wore black armbands. Teammates and colleagues shared their memories of Jota on social media, remembering him not just as a talented player but as a genuinely good person.
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Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager: `This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can`t see it! I`m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace.`
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Ruben Neves, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Portugal teammate: `They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.`
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Andy Robertson, Liverpool teammate: `For the team and the Club, we`ll try to cope with this together… however long that takes. For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy. I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now. It`s the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun. … I can`t believe we`re saying goodbye. It`s too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo.`
USMNT Faces Mexico in Gold Cup Final
The U.S. Men`s National Team (USMNT) will face rival Mexico in the Concacaf Gold Cup final on Sunday. This marks the first time the two regional powerhouses have met in the final in four years and presents a significant opportunity for the young USMNT squad to end their summer campaign on a high note.
Under coach Mauricio Pochettino, the team secured their spot by defeating Guatemala 2-1 in the semifinals on Wednesday. The match showed a mixed performance from the relatively inexperienced USMNT roster.
Midfielder Diego Luna was a standout, scoring two goals in the opening 15 minutes. His performance continues his impressive progress with the national team and strengthens his claim for a place in the squad for next year`s World Cup. The 21-year-old`s record now includes three goals and four assists in 11 USMNT appearances. These performances suggest Pochettino might introduce new faces in the midfield over the coming months, likely featuring fellow Gold Cup standout Malik Tillman, potentially at the expense of Gio Reyna, unless Reyna shows strong form for club and country.
Sunday`s final provides Luna, Tillman, and their teammates a prime chance to impress and potentially secure a landmark victory in Pochettino`s early tenure. It also highlights areas needing improvement. While the experimental Gold Cup squad has helped Pochettino find new attacking options, the defense remains a concern.
While Luna`s early goals helped the USMNT overcome a shaky defensive display against Guatemala, Mexico will be a tougher challenge. This will test potential World Cup players, including wingbacks Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman, and likely central defenders Chris Richards and Tim Ream.
Regardless of Sunday`s outcome, the summer campaign offers positive takeaways. However, to truly signal a turnaround after a year of disappointing results, winning this final piece of silverware available to them before the World Cup is crucial.
Top Stories
- Remembering Diogo Jota: Tributes pour in for the player known for his exciting style after his tragic death.
- Thomas Partey Charged: Former Arsenal player faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault charges in the UK.
- USWNT Defeats Canada: A young U.S. women`s team impresses in a 3-0 win under coach Emma Hayes.
- Club World Cup Quarterfinals: A ranking of the remaining eight teams and their upcoming matches this weekend.
- Chelsea`s Striker Situation: A look at the 20 strikers currently on the books and the pressure on the club to offload players.
Best Bets
Betting Pick: Club World Cup – Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund, Saturday, 4 p.m.
💰 THE PICK: Vinicius Junior to score (+130)
Real Madrid are expected to advance easily against Borussia Dortmund, whom they beat in the Champions League final just over a year ago. Vinicius Junior scored in that match and is a strong candidate to score again on Saturday at MetLife Stadium. He has been a consistent presence in the lineup during the Club World Cup, making him a good pick to add to his impressive goal tally for Real Madrid.
Find more betting analysis and tips.
