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The group stage is over, the knockout rounds begin and good riddance.

I dont care if this was an off-year Gold Cup with a lot of B teams, most of the group stage games were uninteresting and/or bad to watch. This perhaps goes especially for the United States and Mexico, the two best nations in the region. There were hardly any upsets to speak of and the only storylines worth mentioning from the group stage were French Guianas forfeit and Alphonso Davies of Canada lighting it up before getting hurt.

Hopefully the Gold Cup knockout rounds can add something resembling excitement and drama, which we saw very little of in the group matches. The favorites for the most part got results even if they made it hard on themselves in the process for long stretches. The quarterfinal matchups are fairly interesting with the parity established during group games leading to interesting sides of the bracket leading to the final

The USMNT has called up six players to reinforce their squad while Mexico stood pat with their young roster of domestic LigaMX players. Canada added Cyle Larin to their roster, adding one of their best talents to a squad that made the quarterfinals for the first time since 2009. Costa Rica made a few changes as well and aside from keeper Keylor Navas they have been playing with a full senior roster from the beginning. Regional stalwarts Jamaica, Panama and Honduras are all knockout round threats while El Salvador is perhaps the only upstart left at this stage.

TV SCHEDULE (all games on FS1, all times Eastern)

Quarterfinals

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA)

QF1: Costa Rica vs. Panama, 6 p.m.

QF2: USA vs. El Salvador, 9 p.m.

Thursday, July 20, 2017 (Univ. of Pheonix Stadium, Glendale, AZ)

QF3: Mexico vs. Honduras, 7:30 p.m.

QF4: Jamaica vs. Canada, 10 p.m.

Semifinals

Saturday, July 22, 2017 (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX)

QF1 Winner vs. QF2 Winner, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 23, 2017 (Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA)

QF3 Winner vs. QF4 Winner, 8:30 p.m.

Final

Wednesday, July 26, 2017 (Levis Stadium, Santa Clara, CA)

SF1 Winner vs. SF2 Winner, 9:30 p.m.

QUARTERFINAL PRIMERS

QF1: Costa Rica vs. Panama

This could very well be the best pure matchup in the quarterfinals. Panama have been on the cusp of a World Cup for what seems like the last decade and Costa Rica is coming off a quarterfinal appearance in Brazil 2014. On paper, Costa Rica has the edge but its actually been Panama thats been the better team in the Gold Cup in recent tournaments. Costa Rica sits in second place of The Hex at 11 points with Panama in fourth place at 7 points.

Both teams won two games in the group stage, with Costa Ricas 1-0 win over Honduras probably the best win out of those. Panama was solid in their 1-1 draw against the USA and then took care of business versus Nicaragua and Martinique but werent overpowering. Not only is this matchup between two high level teams, but its also fairly even and could produce a lot of quality and late drama as I expect this one to remain close. If Panama doesnt have to sit back on the counter, a wide open game could be very exciting between these two sides though that might favor the Ticos style of play more. Costa Ricas offense wasnt all that great in the group stage, just beating Honduras 1-0 and getting shutout in a 0-0 draw to Canada. Despite that, you have to assume the Ticos will score in this one and try and force Panama into an more open game to take advantage of the usually solid Panama defense.

QF2: United States vs. El Salvador

The USMNT are perhaps fortunate to be the winners of Group B as they were level with Panama on points and clinched the top seed on a goals scored tiebreaker. This meant the US avoided not only Mexicos side of the bracket but also Costa Rica in this round. With six new players on the roster likely to be thrust into the starting lineup, drawing El Salvador here gives the USAs reinforcements a good game to acclimate to the national team after missing the group matches.

El Salvador to their credit are no strangers to the quarterfinals but were thrashed by the US 5-1 in this round back in 2013. Usually a third place finisher in the group stages, El Salvador can make things difficult for anyone they play against but at the same time dont pull off a lot of upsets. Remember those two PKs the USA missed against Nicaragua? The quarter and semifinal rounds wont go to extra time, but rather straight to the shootout. Food for thought if El Salvador can get a draw in regulation.

QF3: Jamaica vs. Canada

This might be the most fun match of round if both teams are willing to attack. We know these two sides are usually organized defensively but Canada in particular has struggled to score goals in recent years and Gold Cups. If Alphonso Davies is healthy and with Cyle Larin now on the roster, Canadas should have all the offensive firepower they need to get into the semifinals.

The real equalizer for this matchup is Jamaica keeper and former Connecticut Huskies player, Andre Blake. With Tim Howard in the twilight of his career and Navas not playing, Blake is probably the best keeper in the tournament. Jamaica can ride his heroics in net especially if they find themselves in a shootout during the knockout games. What makes this game so intriguing to me is that both teams can go Jekyll/Hyde on us at any point. Weve seen mostly good Canada so far but this is a team that hasnt played a Gold Cup knockout game in a while and that does bother me. Jamaica, though theyve been solid so far in this tournament, did crash out of World Cup qualifying in spectacularly bad fashion last year. Even if both teams show up with their bad forms, this game could still be fun to watch in my opinion, just maybe for different reasons that involve comedy and/or groaning. If both good teams show up, it should just be fun period.

QF4: Mexico vs. Honduas

Under a different circumstance, I would be really excited about this game because like Costa Rica-Panama, its between two teams in The Hex. However, Mexico is using their B team and Honduras was incredibly disappointing in the group stage and really only qualified as a third place team because of French Guianas forfeit.

All that being said, if Honduras shows up they can turn this into a very CONCACAF affair. What bothers me about Honduras is they didnt score at all in the group stage, their only goals were awarded via the 3-0 forfeit. While Antony Lozanos addition to the squad could help the attack, the good news is the Honduras defense only allowed a single goal in the group stage, to Costa Rica in a 1-0 loss. However, playing for a 0-0 draw and penalties for 90 minutes against El Tri doesnt seem like a viable strategy in this one. Honduras is going to have to score and likely more than once, if they want a shot to advance.

KNOCKOUT STAGE OVERVIEW

I really like the balance of the bracket in this one. Mexico might have the harder quarterfinal against Honduras, but it will be the Americans with the harder semifinal if both teams advance. If we assume the US and Mexico do advance, I think regardless of who wins the Jamaica-Canada and the Costa Rica-Panama match it will produce two excellent semifinal matches this weekend. All signs will always point to a USA-Mexico final until proven otherwise, but the group stage I think has proven this tournament could be very wide open. Im not entirely sure parity reigned in the group stage, but certainly no team ran away with their group or looked overly impressive in advancing to the quarterfinals except for perhaps Canada. Im banking on this theory to finally produce some good soccer in this tournament because if were being honest, we havent see much of it yet.

GOLD CUP KNOCKOUT PREDICTIONS

QF: Panama, United States, Canada, Mexico

SF: United States, Mexico

Champ: United States

I want to see a rematch of the US-Panama game in the semifinals and I also want to see just how good Canada is right now. In the end, the USAs roster reinforcements are the difference as they claim the title in extra time over Mexico.

Read the rest here:
Gold Cup 2017 Knockout Stage Primer - The Bent Musket (blog)

ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP, 2017

Cricbuzz StaffLast updated on Wed, 19 Jul, 2017, 04:56 PM

"We've played a lot of the group stage here, four games, so we are aware of the conditions and that is our advantage" - Mithali Raj Getty

Ahead of a tough knockout game against Australia on Thursday (July 20), India captain Mithali Raj feels her side's know-how of the venue - Derby - will be an advantage. Four of India's five wins have come in Derby, including the one against England that got the ball rolling for Raj's side in the tournament.

"We've played a lot of the group stage here, four games, so we are aware of the conditions and that is our advantage," Raj said ahead of the match.

Familiarity of conditions alone, however, will not be enough for India to upstage the six-time champions. Australia have been clinical all through the tournament, losing just one of their group-stage games.

Each of their victories have been convincing ones, and the defeat - against table-toppers England - was a final-over affair. Raj remains mindful of the quality of her opposition, as well as the ability of the Australian players to thrive in high-pressure situations.

"But Australia is a very good side. They won the last edition of this tournament and they have a lot of players who have played in high-pressure games," Raj said.

The Indian team may not boast of similar quality on paper, but is still a group on the rise. Having been beaten comprehensively by Australia (by 8 wickets) only a week ago, Raj knows the herculean task that she and her side faces and what a victory will mean.

"For this Indian team, it is going to be a big game and if we can pull out one win, it will be exceptional by the team. How the players play the situation is important because having said that Derby is [like] our home ground, you need to perform on that day to win," Raj opined.

The winner of Thursday's game will face hosts England in the final of the tournament.

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Read more:
Mithali Raj banks on India's Derby 'advantage' - Cricbuzz

From a wonderkid ready to take on the world to an injury-prone squad member Arsenal are trying to flog... RealSport discuss the career of Jack Wilshere.

Its September 2008 and Arsenal are away to Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League. A young kid called Jack Wilshere who has been making a name for himself in the reserves was given a place on the bench. Before Wilshere, Wayne Rooney was the last 16-year-old Englishman to receive this much fuss and attention.

In the 84th minute, Arsene Wenger decided Wilshere deserved to make his professional debut and came on for Robin ban Persie as a substitute. He became Arsenals youngest ever debutant at just 16 years and 256 days.

Ten days later, he scored his first goal in a 6-0 League Cup win over Sheffield United. In November that year Wilshere became only the fifth 16-year-old to appear in the Champions League, against Dynamo Kiev. The world was at his feet and it took no time at all for the confident teenager to show what he was all about.

There truly was a star in the making.

Still not quite in the first XI on a full time basis, Wenger decided a loan move to Bolton Wanderers would further Wilsheres development and so he joined the Trotters in January 2010 until the end of the season.

He impressed so much in the midfield that they tried to resign him for the whole of the 2010/11 season but Arsenal werent having it. He was ready to become a prominent first team figure for the North Londoners.

Wilshere started the season with another career milestone and made his senior England debut in August against Hungary at just 18-years-old. The midfielder made a great start to the season for Arsenal, playing all of their August fixtures and continued his fine form into October.

However, we saw the first incident of petulance and immaturity from Wilshere that month, getting sent off for a tackle against Nicola Zigic against Birmingham City.

It was certainly a learning curve for Wilshere as he returned to finish a wonderful campaign, featuring an incredible 49 times for Arsenal that season, winning the clubs Player of the Year Award, the PFA Young Player of the Year and getting into the PFA Team of the Year.

However, the summer leading up to the 2011/12 season is where it all started to go wrong for the boy wonder.

A stress fracture to his ankle he received in a pre-season game was expected to keep him out until February. However, setback after setback occurred and the midfielder did not play a single minute of football that season, even missing the 2012 Summer Olympics and Englands 2012 European Championship campaign.

His rehabilitation continued into next season and after an incredible 17-month lay off, Wilsheres nightmare appeared to be over, playing in the Premier League win over Queens Park Rangers. It was like the 20-year-old had never left, earning the Man of the Match award. He continued to produce fine form, however little injuries become a regular occurrence and Wenger confirmed he would have minor surgery at the end of the season to remove a pin.

It was a quick recovery and Wilshere was ready for the 2013/14 season. His performances were yet again impressive, however in March of that season Wilshere suffered a hairline fracture on his left foot in a game against Denmark for England. It kept him out for six weeks and the injuries were beginning to mount up, though he did end the season coming on as a substitute to win his first major trophy in a 3-2 FA Cup Final win over Hull City.

However, his joy was short lived and in November of next season, Wilshere picked up yet another injury to his ankle, ruling him out for three months.

The following pre season and Wilshere again suffered injury heartbreak, breaking his fibula, which was supposed to rule him out for one month, however required surgery in September which ruled him out for a further three.

Wilshere has admitted that injuries have left him frustrated but he works hard to return as soon as possible and made the decision to move on loan to Bournemouth for the 2016/17 season to regain his form, fitness and play regular football. It wasnt the career path Wilshere would have wanted to take.

By now he was expected to be one of the worlds best midfielders and the first name on Arsenals team sheet. Wilshere then was rightly commended for taking the choice to try and resurrect his career rather than sit on Arsenals bench.

However, Wilshere, despite making a healthy number of appearances largely failed to impress and in April in a match against Tottenham Hotspur once again suffered an injury. He received a hairline fracture to his left fibula in an apparently nothing challenge with Harry Kane. He required surgery and would miss the rest of the season.

It has led to Arsenal and Wenger losing patience.

The one-time boy wonder who could dominate midfields and weave his way past any opponent with his dribbling ability and low centre of gravity. The man who was supposed to run the show for England for the next generation and who famously dominated a Barcelona midfield consisting of Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Xavi in a Champions League knockout game. He is now someone who Arsenal appear happy to let go for a paltry 9 million to Sampdoria of Italy.

Perhaps more worryingly for Wilshere, is the fact that there seem to be no takers, even at that price.

His injury record is far too risky. Arsenal fans will be devastated. He was one of their own and one of the most talented youngsters in world football. Wilshere was a ready-made captain and legend for the club just waiting to happen. The fans loved his ability and his fiery attitude.

As it is, Wilsheres career has taken a very different path. Hopefully a fresh start will be making of the former boy wonder.

Want to share your opinion? Why not write for us?

Read the rest here:
Arsenal: Jack Wilshere's dramatic fall from grace reaches its climax - RealSport101

Facing the Highlanders yet again is something to get excited about, Crusaders assistant coach Leon MacDonald says.

The sides have met four times already this season - two friendlies and two competition games - and the Crusaders have won three of the matches.

MacDonald told media in Christchurch yesterday the familiarity of the opponent did have some advantages.

``It helps the coaches as we do not have to come up with a thousand new clips,'' he joked.

``But we know the players, we knows their traits. We know about getting ready for the battle, what to expect.

``I'm not sure knowing them helps; we know it is going to be tough.

``We just have to prepare accordingly The small things matter, the scrum, the lineout accuracy matters, the backline defence and attack matters. It is about getting it right.

``We have won two from two [the two competitions games] so we know we are good enough. It is a knockout game so it is important to us. It is just about delivering now.

``We didn't do it right last time out so we have got to get it right.''

Macdonald said the side was excited to be playing a playoff match back at home and the game would go up to another level.

``We are excited to be home again and going up against the Highlanders.

``Any game is going to be hard at this stage of the season.

``We know their game, we know our game. It is about who executes better.

`In the end it might come down to a special play.''

The Crusaders were on the wrong end of referee Glen Jackson against the Hurricanes last Saturday night and MacDonald said that came from a lack of accuracy. That had to improve this week.

``You can't do that in a big game. That just shows how important discipline is.''

See more here:
It's about delivering now: MacDonald - Otago Daily Times

ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2017

Cricbuzz StaffLast updated on Mon, 17 Jul, 2017, 02:16 PM

"Given that they've played well [against New Zealand] they'll come in with a bit of momentum and I expect them to be really tough" - Perry Getty

Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who is having a stunning ICC Women's World Cup, having scored five consecutive fifties and also excelling with the ball, feels that India will be a different team when Australia face them in the semifinal in Derby. India are coming into the big game after crushing New Zealand by 186 runs - in a virtual quarterfinal knockout game - on the same ground in Derby.

India started their campaign with a 35-run win over England and have won all their four games they have played in Derby. While Australia is yet to play at the County ground. On the back of that winning run and with momentum behind them, Perry believes India will be tough to beat.

"Given that they've played well [against New Zealand] they'll come in with a bit of momentum and I expect them to be really tough," Perry said on Monday (July 17).

"They probably left a few things unattended against us the other day that we know they're really dangerous, they've got a great couple of batters and some really dangerous bowlers. They'll be good," she noted.

Though Australia comfortably beat the Asian nation in Bristol in the league phase, with Perry shining with the bat, she feels that India may be peaking at the right time.

"We maybe didn't come up against them at their strongest on the day," she said. "I'm sure they'll be really keen to rectify that. It's a great test for us and we are really looking forward to it."

Even though Perry has scored five successive fifties in the ongoing tournament, she hasn't still compiled her maiden ODI ton - which continues to remain out of her reach - but that isn't bothering her one bit.

"It's got no consequence for me at the minute," she observed. "We've got an important match in the semi-final and I think that all of us are really keen to contribute and win that game and give us a chance to play in the final.

"Whatever role I play is important. If that means that I need to go on and score big then ... I'd like to do that. But [a maiden century] is no consequence at the moment," she added.

Perry's brilliant form with the bat has seen her rise to third place in the latest ICC player rankings for batters. She also went to the top of the rankings for all-rounders, replacing Windies' Stafanie Taylor.

Meanwhile, Perry is placed ninth in the bowling rankings - a list headed by Marizanne Kapp of South Africa.

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Perry expecting 'stiff test' in semifinal - Cricbuzz