The USA dramatically reached the Gold Cup semifinals: In a penalty shootout against Costa Rica, it was a Cologne player who tipped the scales.
But first things first: the US had been warned, at the latest by Canada’s surprise defeat (on penalties against Guatemala). And yet the shot against underdogs Costa Rica initially backfired.
The Ticos took the lead in the twelfth minute with a penalty converted by Calvo after Arfsten had clumsily brought down Vargas. When Tillman, soon to join Leverkusen, then missed from the spot in the 37th minute, the nervousness must have grown even more for US coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Arfsten makes up for mistake – Martinez shocks USA only once
But before the break, it was 21-year-old Luna who calmed the nerves of the home side. Two minutes before the end of the first half, his seemingly harmless shot from the left of the penalty area was deflected unstoppably (43). And just two minutes after the restart, the game was turned on its head: Tillman saw his left-back Arfsten making a run forward and kept his cool to make amends for his earlier mistake (47′).
Eight minutes later, Arfsten had the chance to seal the win, but his shot hit the top of the crossbar (55′). However, the brave Ticos were not going to give up that easily. In the 71st minute, Costa Rica equalized once again through Martinez. Had Martinez not hit the post in the 85th minute, there would probably not have been a “second” chance for the USA.
Vargas, Calvo, and Rojas show nerves
So the decision had to be made from the penalty spot. Former Leipzig player Adams, Tillman – successful at his second attempt – and Freeman converted three of the six US penalties. Berhalter and Tolkin missed their chances from 11 meters. Fortunately for the USA, Vargas, Calvo, and Rojas showed nerves for Costa Rica, allowing Downs, who had only come on as a substitute in the 78th minute, to become the match winner with his successful penalty. It was only the Cologne player’s third international appearance.
In the semi-finals, the USA will not face Canada as expected, but rather underdogs Guatemala. On Thursday (1 a.m.), it will be decided whether the US boys will be able to play for the title. In the other semi-final, Mexico and Honduras will face each other.
