Welcome! It`s Friday, bringing a weekend packed with football action. Both the US Men`s and Women`s National Teams are competing, and the Club World Cup knockout rounds are about to begin. Let`s get into the analysis.
The Forward Line
Are Manchester City the Club World Cup Favorites?
With the Club World Cup`s group stage now complete, drawing conclusions about Europe`s top contenders might still feel premature. Many expected favorites appear either to be adjusting for the next season or somewhat lacking focus, leading to tough results against their Brazilian counterparts. However, Manchester City stands apart. Pep Guardiola`s team is the only side to emerge from the initial phase with a perfect record of three wins. As Guardiola himself might point out, their 5-2 dismantling of Juventus was arguably the most decisive performance seen in the United States so far.
- Guardiola: `It has been a long time since we had a performance like this on and off the ball. The players were committed and we are happy to beat a top side. This is just one game, but I think the players felt again what it was like to be a good team. The belief always comes from your performances, not your past.`
City`s dominance harked back to their best form. They commanded 76% possession, generating 24 shots with a remarkably high expected goals total of 3.92. Jeremy Doku was devastating on the left flank, with Savinho nearly as effective on the opposite side. While still early days, Rayan Ait Nouri has made a promising start, demonstrating intelligent positional variation, sometimes hugging the touchline and other times dropping into midfield.
Furthermore, Rodri`s return was encouraging. While he may not yet be the same player he was before the ACL injury in September – a player widely considered the world`s best and a Ballon d`Or winner – he performed well this time, passing neatly and looking strong in duels. More importantly for Guardiola, his presence prevented the issues seen in recent games.
- Guardiola: `In the last few games we have conceded a lot of transitions but it didn`t happen this time. Everyone knows how important Rodri is. He is one of the best players in the world. When they`re not in a team, they`re missed.`
The City manager would be the first to state that success in the States wouldn`t compensate for a disappointing season at the Etihad. Yet, becoming world champions appears to be a realistic goal for this squad. Winning Group G allowed them to avoid Real Madrid in the Round of 16 and also placed them in the opposite bracket from powerhouses like Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. The path has opened up for City, who will face Al-Hilal in the Round of 16, followed by a challenging but not insurmountable quarterfinal against Inter Milan or Fluminense. Once again, the team led by Guardiola looks like the one to beat on the global stage.
Midfield Link Play
USMNT Attack Faces a True Test
After comfortably navigating the group stages, the USMNT enters the Gold Cup knockout rounds with a potentially difficult matchup against Costa Rica. Los Ticos haven`t been the most explosive team in the tournament, and their attack appeared somewhat limited in their first three games, aside from three penalties.
However, their 0-0 draw against Mexico offers a valuable insight into the challenge Mauricio Pochettino`s side will face. When matched against a team with superior attacking talent, Costa Rica adopted their familiar strategy: defending deep and relying on Keylor Navas to make crucial saves. This approach paid off, with the veteran goalkeeper stopping all four shots on target, while the defense effectively limited Mexico`s threat, despite their 69% possession resulting in only 13 shots and a modest 1.45 xG. This style might not win a league title, but it can certainly be effective in a knockout game, or even two.
To break down such a stubborn defense, the US` B-team attackers will need to replicate the cohesive performances they largely showed in the group stage. Specifically, this is an opportunity for Malik Tillman to solidify his position as the primary number 10 with the World Cup looming. As analysis suggests, he seems like the ideal player, working under the right coach and within a suitable system:
- Analysis: `Tillman appears to be the first real beneficiary of Pochettino’s arrival, who seems to be utilizing the player in a manner reminiscent of how Christian Eriksen or Dele Alli were deployed during his time at Tottenham Hotspur. This strategy has been highly effective recently, with Tillman scoring three goals and providing one assist in his last five national team appearances and emerging as a breakout star during the Gold Cup run.`
Naturally, overcoming the quarterfinals, let alone a potential match against Canada or Guatemala afterwards, will require more than just one player. Patrick Agyeman has consistently found good shooting opportunities, while Brenden Aaronson and Diego Luna have offered creative sparks. If these players maintain their current form in the quarterfinals, they can significantly boost their chances of featuring in Pochettino’s World Cup plans.
Top Stories
- USWNT secures decisive 4-0 victory over Republic of Ireland with Rose Lavelle`s return. They will face Ireland again on Sunday.
- Cristiano Ronaldo signs a two-year extension with Al-Nassr, keeping him at the Saudi club until age 42. His salary reportedly remains unchanged.
- The latest NWSL Team of the Week features standout performances, including Kayla Sharpes and Sam Coffey.
- Recent form suggests Malik Tillman is gaining ground in the competition to be Mauricio Pochettino`s starting number 10 ahead of the World Cup.
- Olivier Giroud is reportedly close to ending his spell in MLS and is in talks to join Ligue 1 side Lille.
- The EFL fixtures for the upcoming season have been released, outlining the opening weekends across the league from August 1st.
- Ahead of Lionel Messi`s match against Paris Saint-Germain, a look back at his highlights during his time in France.
- Stay updated with the Club World Cup: games, talking points, and standings are available in a dedicated hub.
