Greetings! A holiday weekend coupled with ample tournament soccer is a perfect combination, and exciting matches are happening in both the U.S. and Europe. Here`s the latest update from Pardeep Cattry as the busy schedule continues.
Upcoming Matches
Footy Fix Schedule
- Friday, July 4th
- Women`s Euro: Denmark vs. Sweden, 12 PM ET on FS1
- Women`s Euro: Germany vs. Poland, 3 PM ET on Fox
- CWC: Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal, 3 PM ET on TNT
- MLS: FC Dallas vs. Minnesota United, 8:45 PM ET on FS1
- CWC: Palmeiras vs. Chelsea, 9 PM ET on DAZN
- Saturday, July 5th
- Women`s Euro: Wales vs. Netherlands, 12 PM ET on Fox
- CWC: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern München, 12 PM ET on TNT
- Women`s Euro: France vs. England, 3 PM ET on Fox
- CWC: Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund, 4 PM ET on DAZN
- WAFCON: Morocco vs. Zambia, 4 PM ET on beIN Sports
- MLS: Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City, 7:15 PM ET on FS1
- Sunday, July 6th
- WAFCON: Senegal vs. Congo DR, 10 AM ET on beIN Sports
- Women`s Euro: Norway vs. Finland, 12 PM ET on FS1
- WAFCON: Nigeria vs. Tunisia, 12 PM ET on beIN Sports
- Women`s Euro: Switzerland vs. Iceland, 3 PM ET on FS1
- WAFCON: Algeria vs. Botswana, 3 PM ET on beIN Sports
- MLS: Seattle Sounders vs. Columbus Crew, 5:15 PM ET on MLS Season Pass
- Gold Cup final: USMNT vs. Mexico, 7 PM ET on Fox
Sports World Remembers Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota, known for his time as a Premier League winner with Liverpool and representing Portugal internationally, tragically passed away alongside his younger brother Andre Silva in a car accident in Spain on Thursday. Jota was 28, and Silva was 25.
This tragic event prompted a wave of tributes for Jota and expressions of sympathy for his family, including his three young children and his wife Rute Cardoso, whom he had married just under two weeks prior. Moments of silence were held before Thursday`s Women`s Euro matches, including Portugal`s game against Spain. Both teams wore black armbands, and many fans displayed images and signs honoring Jota. Numerous teammates and football colleagues globally shared their memories on social media, remembering him not only as a remarkable player but also for his positive personal impact.
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.`
Ruben Neves, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Portugal teammate: `They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.`
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 vs Mexico: Gold Cup Final Preview
The United States Men`s National Team will compete against Mexico in the Concacaf Gold Cup final this Sunday. This marks the first time in four years that these regional powerhouses meet in the final, offering a prime chance for the young USMNT squad to conclude their summer campaign successfully.
Mauricio Pochettino`s team secured their place in the final with a 2-1 victory over Guatemala in the semifinals on Wednesday. The match presented a mixed performance from the relatively inexperienced USMNT side. Diego Luna was a standout performer, scoring both goals in the opening 15 minutes, continuing his rapid ascent with the national team and strengthening his case for a spot on next year`s World Cup roster. The 21-year-old now boasts three goals and four assists across 11 appearances for the USMNT. His performances will likely lead Pochettino to experiment with a new midfield lineup in the coming months, possibly including fellow Gold Cup standout Malik Tillman, and potentially excluding Gio Reyna unless he shows strong form for his club and country over the next year.
Sunday`s final provides an excellent opportunity for Luna, Tillman, and others to impress and potentially achieve the first significant win under Pochettino`s leadership with the USMNT. It also serves as a chance to address areas needing improvement. While Pochettino`s experimental Gold Cup roster has successfully identified new attacking options, defensive performance leaves much to be desired. Although Luna`s first-half goals helped the USMNT survive a shaky defensive display against Guatemala, Mexico is expected to pose a tougher challenge. This test will be crucial not only for World Cup hopeful wingbacks Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman but also for likely next-year roster center backs Chris Richards and Tim Ream.
Regardless of Sunday`s outcome, the team will find positives from this summer`s run. However, to truly redeem themselves after a year of disappointing results, securing the final piece of silverware available before the World Cup will be vital.
Top Stories
Remembering Diogo Jota: On the field, Diogo Jota was a highly skilled player who embodied the essence of the beautiful game and will be remembered for his consistently engaging style.
Thomas Partey Charged: Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey faces charges in the U.K., including five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, related to incidents between 2021 and 2022.
USWNT Defeats Canada: The U.S. Women`s National Team secured a 3-0 victory over Canada on Wednesday, with a young squad continuing to impress during Emma Hayes` period of tactical experimentation.
Club World Cup Quarterfinals: As the Club World Cup reaches the final eight teams, here is a ranking of the upcoming quarterfinal matches this weekend.
Chelsea`s Strikers: It`s not a mistake – Chelsea currently lists 20 strikers in their squad. With pressure to sell some players mounting, here`s a ranking of each one.
Betting Tips
Best Bets
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Club World Cup: Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund (Saturday, 4 PM ET)
THE PICK: Vinicius Junior to Score (+130) – Real Madrid is strongly favored to reach the Club World Cup semifinals, likely defeating Borussia Dortmund, whom they beat in the UEFA Champions League final just over a year ago. Vinicius Junior scored in that final and is a strong candidate to score again on Saturday at MetLife Stadium, particularly as Xabi Alonso`s offensive strategy for Real Madrid takes shape. While Kylian Mbappe`s availability remains uncertain, Vinicius has been a consistent presence in the Club World Cup lineup alongside emerging talent Gonzalo Garcia, making him a top choice to add another goal to his impressive scoring record for Los Blancos.
