The USA have secured their second win in the Gold Cup, earning themselves a place in the quarter-finals. Once again, a former Bayern pro made the difference in the match against Saudi Arabia.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino surprised everyone before kick-off with a decision that was a first in his tenure: he fielded the same starting XI in two consecutive games. However, the 5-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago, in which former Munich player Tillman laid the foundation with a brace, offered little cause for criticism of the starting line-up.
But it quickly became clear that it would be a different challenge against Saudi Arabia. The US were unable to muster nearly as much offensive power against the number 58 team in the FIFA world rankings. In a game with few highlights, former Munich player Richards’ determined tackle against the unmarked Al-Obud was frenetically celebrated by the crowd (31′). The hosts’ best chance was wasted by striker Agyemang with a header from close range – straight at keeper Al-Aqidi (45′).
After the break, Al-Obud gave the home side a scare, but his shot against the crossbar was immediately followed by the assistant referee’s flag for offside (59). Shortly afterwards, a set piece made the difference in the game: Berhalter’s free kick from the right was decisively volleyed into the net by Richards with his left foot (63).
A force in the group stage
The narrow victory meant that the game remained at a manageable level. The USA are a force in the Gold Cup group stage: the 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia was their 42nd victory, with only five draws and a single defeat. The US have won their group in 16 of their 17 Gold Cup appearances.
Pochettino’s team now have their place in the quarter-finals firmly in their grasp. Their final task awaits on Monday (1 a.m.) with the game against Haiti.
