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The Gold Cup 2021 competition has advanced to the knockout stage after a high-scoring group stage. The quarterfinals took place July 24 and 25 for the final eight teams and the competition now enters the semifinal round.
The tournament featured 16 teams playing in four groups with eight advancing to the knockout stage, which starts at quarterfinals. The final is August 1. Here’s a look at how the semifinal bracket is shaping up as the competition moves another round closer to crowning a champion.
Thursday, July 29
Qatar vs. United States
How Qatar got here: Qatar jumped out to a 3-0 lead on El Salvador in the quarterfinal round, relying on the high-powered attack that got the team the top spot in Group D. However, the Qataris nearly blew that lead but El Salvador’s equalizer was waived off. El Salvador dominated possession, but wasn’t able to put the ball in the back of the net at the same rate as Qatar.
How United States got here: It wasn’t pretty, but the USMNT managed to get past Jamaica 1-0. Matthew Hoppe scored in the 83rd minute and Matt Turner had five saves in the win.
Mexico vs. Canada
How Mexico got here: Mexico had no trouble in rolling over Honduras 3-0. El Tri dominated possession at 65% and converted three goals in the early going. They scored a flurry of goals in the 26th, 31st, and 38th minutes and cruised to victory.
How Canada got here: Canada jumped on top on the first half and added some insurance in the second half en route to a 2-0 win over Costa Rica. Canada went 2-0-1 in group play, with 4-1 wins over Martinique and Haiti and a 1-0 loss to the USMNT.