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From a World Cup win to Mexican triumphs, GOAL looks at some of the most important Mexico-U.S. matches of the past 25 years

The United States vs. Mexico rivalry has consistently been one of the best and most intense in international football — if not the best. Such is the interconnectedness – geographically and culturally – between the two nations, that every single match seems to matter. Even friendlies, such as Tuesday's match in Guadalajara, seem seismic.

But there have been some pretty good games when there's glory on the line, too. While the rivalry has been significant for decades, it kicked off to a new level arguably at the 2002 World Cup, when the USMNT secured a famous victory over in the knockouts in South Korea. And since then, there have been classics aplenty – with big wins for both sides.

GOAL highlights some of the best of them over the years. From World Cup win to Mexican triumphs thanks to Gio Dos Santos bangers, here's a look at some of the most important Mexico-U.S. games of the past 25 years.

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  USA 2-0 Mexico, 2002 World Cup

  "Dos a cero."

  Heading into the World Cup last 16 fixture between the USMNT and Mexico, few would have predicted a U.S. victory. After all, although the U.S. had undoubtedly improved as a nation, this was Mexico, a country that had consistently performed on the biggest stage – a global soccer power. At the time, the beautiful game had barely made a dent in the U.S.'s wider consciousness.

  This fixture changed all of that. It was a hard-nosed and tight match, a proper World Cup knockout clash. The USMNT went up 1-0 early, and Landon Donovan header sealed things in the second half. At the time, the upset felt significant. Mexico, the kings of CONCACAF, could be beaten when it really mattered. These days, almost 25 years on, it serves as something of a reference point, the math where the U.S. showed that they could be a real threat on the global stage – not just a pesky threat who could nick an occasional result.

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• Mexico 4-2 USMNT, 2011 Gold Cup final

  Although the Azteca had been a fearsome venue for the USMNT to visit over the years, they had mostly managed well on home soil. And by the time Mexico and the U.S. met in the final of the 2011 Gold Cup, Bob Bradley's side had only lost one of their last 11 to El Tri at home.

  But in a Rose Bowl packed with 90,000 – mostly Mexico fans – that all changed. The USMNT started well, and established what seemed to be a comfortable 2-0 lead. But Mexico scored twice to level the game by the break, and were entirely dominant in the second half. They eventually ran out 4-2 winners, Giovani Dos Santos scoring a famous chip to seal the result.

  The debacle, with the U.S. giving up a lead in the fashion that it did, would play a significant factor in the decision to part ways with Bradley and move on to a high-profile hire in Jurgen Klinsmann.

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  Mexico 3-2 USA, 2015 CONCACAF Cup

  The exact purpose of the CONCACAF Cup is a bit muddled. The winner of the game qualified for the now-defunct Confederations Cup. Still, any match between the two sides – with anything on the line – felt significant.

  And 2017's was a classic. Temperatures in the Rose Bowl reached nearly 100 degrees as the two sides needed extra time to settle things. Chicharito put Mexico ahead early, but the USMNT responded through Geoff Cameron. Eventually extra time was needed to settle things. The two sides exchanged goals once again, before Paul Aguilar lashed in a winner in the 118th minute.

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  USA 3-2 Mexico, 2021 Nations League final

  Christian Pulisic. 114th minute. Bang. The Nations League final was a chaotic thing, and probably tyhe high point of the Gregg Berhalter era for the USMNT. It was, eventually, an immense U.S. victory. But it was by no means a comfortable result. Mexico scored inside the first minute, before Gio Reyna equalised in the 27th. El Tri went ahead again, only for Weston McKennie to level things 10 minutes from time.

  And then, up stepped Pulisic to smash a spot-kick home after 114 minutes. Late heroics were still required, Ethan Horvath saving a penalty with seconds remaining to win the Nations League. Exhausting, but memorable.

The transfer window doesn't officially open for another two weeks or so , but Tottenham Hotspur have already made their first signing of the summer – well, sort of.

Ange Postecoglou is set to retain the services of German attacker Timo Werner for at least another season as Daniel Levy and Co extended his loan spell earlier this week, to a mixed reaction, it must be said.

However, the former Chelsea ace's place in the team might already be under threat, as the club have recently been linked to another exciting attacker, a player who may well be the perfect upgrade on the German.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a report earlier this week from Graeme Bailey, Tottenham Hotspur are among several Premier League teams to have 'asked' about Beskitas' latest wonderkid, Semih Kılıçsoy.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report names Newcastle United and Manchester United and, unfortunately, claims that Arsenal and Manchester City are currently the 'best placed' sides to secure the youngster's signature.

However, it's not all bad, as the price Levy and Co would have to stump up for the player is fairly reasonable, reportedly coming to just £22m.

It would be a tough deal to negotiate, but considering the price, reputation, and the potential so many seem to think he has, it might be well worth it, even if it threatens Werner's position in the starting lineup.

How Kılıçsoy compares to Werner

While Kılıçsoy made a few appearances for Besiktas' first team last season, this year was his first real taste of consistent senior football, although, from his performances, you'd never have guessed.

In just 35 games, the "powerful" 18-year-old, as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, returned a seriously impressive haul of 12 goals and three assists, primarily from the left-wing and centre-forward positions, meaning the Istanbul-gem managed to produce a goal involvement every 2.33 games, which is significantly better than the output Werner managed this season.

In his 14 games for the Lilywhites since the turn of the year, he returned just two goals and three assists, which averages out to a goal involvement every 2.8 games.

It's even more underwhelming when you add in his 14 appearances, two goals, and three assists for RB Leipzig, as the average then falls to a goal involvement every 3.5 games.

Whatever way you look at it, the 57-capped German's numbers do not look great, as the young Turkish prodigy is playing in the same areas of the pitch and producing significantly more than him.

Given his impressive displays this year, it's easy to see why Mattinson describes the 5 foot 10 gem as a "future star" and someone who "won't be in Turkey much longer."

Therefore, Levy and Co must act quickly and bring him to the white side of North London before Arsenal get their hands on him, even if that means Werner spends more time on the bench next season.

Deal could happen next month: Spurs eyeing move for Brennan Johnson 2.0

The young star could finally reach his full potential in N17.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 30, 2024

Celtic ended their 2023/24 campaign last month with a 1-0 win over their closest rivals in the final of the SFA Cup at Hampden Park to secure a domestic double.

Adam Idah's late winner with the final touch of his loan spell from Norwich City won the tournament for the Hoops, shortly after they had won and lifted the Scottish Premiership double.

Brendan Rodgers won two trophies in his first year back in the dugout at Parkhead, having replaced Ange Postecoglou last summer, and will now be aiming for more silverware next term.

The Northern Irish head coach could look to utilise the upcoming summer transfer window, which opens for business this month, to bolster his squad for the new campaign.

A goalkeeper is on the agenda for the Scottish giants after Joe Hart's retirement and exit from Paradise, with Liverpool's Caoimhin Keller having recently been linked with a move to the club.

However, Celtic are also looking to add to their playing squad in other areas of the pitch, and are reportedly looking at a central defender from the Premier League.

Celtic's interest in £8m colossus

According to the Daily Mail, Rodgers is lining up a possible swoop to add Bournemouth centre-back Chris Mepham to the club's defensive set-up this summer.

The report claims that the Scottish giants have added that Wales international to their list of targets, as they look to bolster their defence over the coming weeks and months.

It states that the Cherries are looking for a fee within the region of £8m in order to allow the right-footed titan to depart the Vitality Stadium ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops are prepared to meet their demands at this moment in time. Mepham has one year left to run on his current contract with the Premier League outfit, which is why Bournemouth may look to cash in now in order to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.

The Daily Mail adds that Sheffield United, who are now in the Championship, and Leeds United were both keen on a deal for the Cherries ace during the January transfer window.

There is no mention of any current interest from those two sides and it is unclear as to how much competition Celtic are facing to land the brute's signature.

The report also claims that Rodgers is looking to add more quality to his side at goalkeeper, left-back, centre-back, midfield, and in the attacking areas, which suggests that there could be plenty of inwards business before September's deadline.

Going back to Mepham, Rodgers and Celtic could find the club's next version of Cameron Carter-Vickers by securing a deal to sign the defender this summer.

Celtic's Cameron Carter-Vickers masterclass

The Hoops initially signed the USA international on loan from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2021, before they made the deal permanent the following year.

They brought him to Parkhead on loan after he had enjoyed an impressive spell on loan with Bournemouth in the Championship during the 2020/21 campaign.

The Spurs loanee won 60% of his duels, including 66% of his battles on the deck, across 21 outings in the second tier for the Cherries that term.

This shows that he had the quality and the physicality to consistently dominate opposition attackers in physical contests, which Celtic may have noticed and hoped would translate over to football in Scotland.

Postecoglou took a gamble on the American colossus and it has paid off big time for the Bhoys as his dominant defensive work has translated over to the Premiership over the last three seasons.

As you can see in the table above, Carter-Vickers has consistently dominated opposition defenders in duels on the deck and in the air to help his side win the last three league titles.

The 26-year-old titan has been a brickwall at the back at times for Celtic and Mepham has the potential to arrive and provide a similar presence at the heart of the defence for Rodgers, should the Hoops decide to strike a deal for his services this summer.

Why Chris Mepham could be Cameron Carter-Vickers 2.0

Just like Carter-Vickers was not getting a sniff of the first-team at Spurs, the Welsh colossus has not been a regular in the Bournemouth team of late.

The 26-year-old ace only started six Premier League games and made ten appearances in the division this season, which illustrates how far down the pecking order he has been.

Mepham did, however, start 24 matches in the top-flight during the 2022/23 campaign and showcased his potential to be a dominant force at the back for Celtic.

He won 63% of his duels on the ground and 62% of his aerial contests across 26 appearances in the Premier League for Bournemouth, which shows that the Hoops target has the physicality to dominate opposition attackers at the top level of English football.

The Cherries outcast has recently showcased his quality in that respect whilst playing for Wales during their qualifiers for the European Championships this season, with an aerial duel success rate of 71% across nine appearances during the qualification campaign.

As you can see in the table above, Mepham, who was hailed as "aggressive" by manager Scott Parker, also outperformed Carter-Vickers in their last Championship seasons respectively, with his work in and out of possession.

He made significantly more progressive carries and passes to help his side on the ball whilst also winning more aerial duels, tackles, and interceptions combined per 90.

This suggests that the Bournemouth defender has the potential to replicate Carter-Vickers' success in Scotland as his statistics in the Premier League, at international level, and in the Championship suggest that the quality is there for him to be an excellent player for Celtic.

Celtic could save millions by unleashing "exceptional" 6 ft 2 colossus

The Hoops could avoid splashing out cash on a new signing by bringing through this young talent.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 6, 2024

Therefore, Rodgers could land his next version of the American titan by securing a deal to sign the £8m-rated star, who could resurrect his career by moving to Scotland to showcase his dominant defending and progressive passing.

Newcastle United’s takeover by the Saudi PIF may be re-examined by MPs after leaked WhatsApp messages suggest Mohammed bin Salman was involved.

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• Newcastle takeover questioned again
• Saudi crown prince was involved
• UK government may reignite investigation

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) took over Premier League side Newcastle United in October 2021 after having been cleared for no interference from the United Kingdom government and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Leaked WhatsApp messages by former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Stavely, who sold her stakes in the club in July, have now emerged and suggested that "both the kingdom’s Crown Prince and UK ministers were involved" as per . According to the messages, Bin Salman "was signing off key decisions within the takeover," and the deal's approval was "pushed behind the scenes" by former Barclays Bank Chair and UK minister for investment Gerry Grimstone. Additionally, Staveley described "enlisting the help" of the Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom "to rescue the deal in April 2021."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  In April 2021, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson denied the government's involvement in the deal. However, Staveley's leaked messages have suggested that the same was not the case. Newcastle Central MP, Chi Onwurah, said it now seems “unlikely” that Mr Johnson was “telling the truth”.

  Onwurah said on Monday: “From the Covid pandemic to the European Super League debacle, events have demonstrated the former Conservative Prime Minister’s opportunistic relationship with both the truth and the beautiful game. It seems unlikely he was telling the truth.”

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• WHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?

  The deal is now set to be re-examined by the UK government and the authorities as per . However, the Premier League is understood to have stood by its position that the government never influenced it in approving the deal. The league declined to comment on whether the ownership structure at the club is under investigation.

Emi Martinez is a “fan of zero goals”, meaning that he is feeling a little frustrated with Aston Villa’s start to the 2024-25 campaign.

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• Keeper sets high standards of himself
• Revels in picking up clean sheets
• Strives for continuous improvement

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Villans have fared admirably through the opening weeks of the new season, with a fifth-place standing taken up in the Premier League table after taking 14 points from seven games. They have also eased past Young Boys and stunned Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Unai Emery’s side did, however, concede 10 goals through eight matches prior to keeping back-to-back clean sheets against Bayern and Manchester United heading into the latest international break. That run has helped to get Martinez back on track, as he demands the highest standards of himself.

• WHAT MARTINEZ SAID

  World Cup winner Martinez has not headed off with Argentina this time around, as he serves an international ban, and has told of the past, present and immediate future at Villa: “They are scoring a lot of goals against me in the Premier League and it is something that affects me a lot. I am a fan of zero goals, so I work a lot for it. With Javier Garcia (goalkeeper coach) we worked a lot, 40 or 50 minutes reacting to the ball, concentrating only on the ball and today the truth was that it was very good for me.

  “I am a sucker for continuing to grow, for being the best, for winning everything with Aston Villa; I set out to play in the Champions League with Villa and I was able to achieve it. With the same selection. I have no ceiling; I want to continue growing and I try to show it every weekend.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While Argentina ready themselves to face Bolivia in 2026 World Cup qualifying, Martinez is counting down the days to the resumption of domestic action – with Villa set to take in a Premier League trip to Fulham to Saturday.

Manchester United have offered £30m+ to sign a midfielder at the request of Erik ten Hag, according to new reports.

Man Utd eye Jarrad Branthwaite transfer

With Ten Hag's future at Manchester United settled for the time being, the Dutchman will be looking to improve upon his squad this summer as he aims to return the Red Devils to their glory years.

David Ornstein: Man Utd want to sign 3 more players alongside Branthwaite

Manchester United are looking to sign at least four players this summer.

By
Josh Barker

Jun 15, 2024

On paper, United have a lot of issues across the pitch but defence was a big one for them during the 2023/24 Premier League season. Man United conceded 58 goals in 38 league matches this past term. In comparison, Manchester City and Arsenal let in 34 and 29 respectively. As a result, it is clear that United need to shore up their backline if they are to return to the top of the English game and end what will be a 12-year wait for another league title.

In a bid to solve their defensive issues, Man United are seemingly targeting Everton and England centre-back, Jarrad Branthwaite. Earlier this week, it was claimed that Man Utd have agreed personal terms with Branthwaite over an Old Trafford transfer, with a contract worth between £150-160k per week on the table. However, the two clubs are yet to come to terms of a transfer fee, with United having a £45m bid knocked back recently as the Toffees eye a figure closer to the £75m mark.

Man Utd make £30m+ bid to sign star midfielder

It is not just Branthwaite the Manchester outfit are looking to bring in this summer, however. David Ornstein told The Athletic FC podcast that the Premier League giants want a centre-back, a midfielder and a striker – while a move for a left-back could also be on the cards.

Now, an update on a potential midfield target for the Red Devils has emerged. The player being looked at by Man United is Bayern Munich and Germany star, Leon Goretzka. United's interest in the 29-year-old emerged earlier this week and Spanish outlet El Nacional have since delivered a fresh report on the situation.

Midfield has been a problem area for Ten Hag and co over the last year, leading to the call-up of 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo to the first-team. The teenager played 24 Premier League games this past term and was by far and away United's best midfielder – earning himself a place on the plane to Germany with England for Euro 2024.

Outside of Mainoo, however, the Manchester side's midfield options are uninspiring, leading to the aforementioned report from El Nacional claiming United are aiming to find a partner for Mainoo and have identified Goretzka as an option. Ten Hag is seemingly a fan of the German as he has requested the club begin proceedings to sign him, with an offer in the region of €40m (£33.86m) said to have been made for the player, who is under contract in Bavaria until 2026.

As they look to add to the arrival of Lloyd Kelly, Newcastle United have reportedly been given permission to speak to one particular target this summer who is a man in demand.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have been forced to spend wisely this summer to avoid any profit and sustainability breach with the Premier League, with sales likely also needed to maintain their innocence on that front. The signing of Kelly was, therefore, smart business given that the former Bournemouth defender arrived on a free deal following the expiry of his contract at the Cherries.

Since Kelly's arrival, Newcastle have wasted no time before turning their attention towards further additions. With an eye on Euro 2024, those at St James' Park have been linked with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has already impressed for underdogs Georgia. It remains to be seen whether the Magpies will splash the cash to land his signature this summer, however.

Instead, they could save their funds to land a significant upgrade on Miguel Almiron. According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have been given permission to speak to Michael Olise over a potential move.

Newcastle expected to make offer for £8.5m+ player from European Champions

He would fix a big problem in the Newcastle squad.

By
Tom Coates

Jun 19, 2024

The Crystal Palace winger has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Chelsea – the supposed frontrunners for his signature – whilst also being offered a new contract at Selhurst Park.

There may have been concerns over Newcastle's ability to join the race for the Frenchman's signature following reports that his £60m release clause could only be triggered by clubs in the Champions League. Matt Law has since reported via The Chronicle that he believes no such release clause exists, however.

"Brilliant" Olise would be a major upgrade on Almiron

Linked with a summer exit and coming into pre-season off the back of a disappointing campaign, Almiron's place in the Newcastle side would be instantly thrown into doubt by the arrival of Olise. The Palace star, who earns a reported £100k-a-week in South London, would hand Eddie Howe an undoubted upgrade if he completes a move to St James' Park.

Scoring almost double the amount of goals that were expected from his chances, there's plenty more to come from Olise, who should be seen as the type of player Newcastle must secure if they want to return to the Champions League.

Described as "brilliant" by Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, Olise has plenty to think about this summer, as he makes the most important decision of his career yet.

Veterans, rookies lead the way as the U.S. comes back from a goal down, notch second straight 3-1 win over Iceland

Emma Hayes got everything she wanted out of Sunday night and more. For much of the second-straight friendly with Iceland, the U.S. women's national team was up against it. A young group struggled for significant stretches and, with just 20 minutes remaining, the USWNT was down 1-0.

That's the thing about this USWNT group, though: it comes in waves. When one star exits, another comes on. On Sunday, the substitutes truly turned the tide, ultimately giving Hayes yet another win – her 12th straight unbeaten match to open her USWNT tenure – and, more important, a whole bunch of information about several key players.

Lynn Williams and Emma Sears were game-changers on Sunday, as a goal and assist from each – plus a goal from Lindsey Horan – paved the way in a 3-1 win over Iceland in Nashville. A second-half substitute, Williams finished off Sears' assist in the 72nd minute. Williams then teed up one of the team's most familiar faces, Horan, sliding a ball across goal for the midfielder to tap in for the game-winner.

Sears, then, put one away for good measure, curling a shot to the far post to cap off a dream debut.

"It was super fun. That’s what it’s about – who can come in and make a difference when we’re just knocking on the door and it’s just not going our way," said Mallory Swanson, who was honored Sunday after becoming the 44th player in USWNT history to reach 100 international appearance (in the Olympics final) and at 26 years old, is the youngest to reach the century mark since 25-year-old Amy Rodriguez achieved the feat in 2012.

"Soph (Smith) came in, Lynn came in, Lindsey, Emma … I’m just really happy for her. It’s funny … I’ve seen it in the league so many times … we were playing Louisville and she ripped a shot like that. The ball was going, and I was like, ‘This is going in.’ It was a great finish.”

It wasn't a perfect performance by any means. A goalkeeping mishap from Casey Murphy led to an Iceland Olimpico, with Karolína Lea Vilhjalmsdottir credited for the goal in the first half – marking the first time in Hayes' tenure with the U.S. that the team had trailed. And, for large stretches of the game, the USWNT really couldn't create, at least not to the level they did in the matching 3-1 win on Thursday.

The film sessions on this one will be fun, particularly for Hayes. It's a game that will show the team's youngsters that there is plenty to learn, but also one that will show plenty of good moments from players who needed them.

There's still one more game in the camp, a match Wednesday night against Argentina, and one more chance to rotate. Sunday was the night for Williams and Horan and Sears, as they seized their big chances and converted.

GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Geodis Park

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  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Casey Murphy (5/10):

  Needed to do better on the Iceland goal. Was out of position, forcing her to backpedal to a ball that should have been pushed away. Not the best moment, but no need to pile on her. It happens sometimes, even to really good goalkeepers.

  Jenna Nighswonger (6/10):

  Got forward as usual, but did get caught out pretty badly on one sequence early. That's going to happen sometimes when you're as aggressive as the USWNT is on that left-hand side.

  Emily Sams (8/10):

  Did fantastic to snuff out one early Iceland chance, which clearly gave her a bit of confidence. Was totally composed, which was very nice to see considering this was her debut.

  Emily Sonnett (8/10):

  Probably the best player on the field until Williams and Sams took it to another level. Did so well defensively, providing the stability and leadership needed considering many of the pieces around her.

  Casey Krueger (5/10):

  Plenty of energy, but was too wasteful. A few too many giveaways at times where the U.S. needed to be really pushing forward.

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  Midfield

  Korbin Albert (5/10):

  Was active but not particularly effective. Didn't offer the attacking presence nor the defensive presence that the USWNT needed, particularly in the first half.

  Sam Coffey (6/10):

  Did some good work during her 45 minutes, despite the pieces around her not really fitting right. Was taken off at halftime, but it had nothing to do with her performance.

  Olivia Moultrie (5/10):

  Never really got going as she drifted a bit wider than she does on the club level. Probably needed someone with a bit more experience than Albert alongside her to bring a bit of composure to the midfield.

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  Attack

  Yazmeen Ryan (5/10):

  Had a few decent moments, but seemed to play a little too fast at times. Composure comes with experience, so give her time there.

  Mallory Swanson (6/10):

  For most of the game, she looked like the only USWNT player capable of breaking through. Was surprising to see her go all 90, which means she'll surely rest next game.

  Jaedyn Shaw (6/10):

  Started centrally and had one long shot at goal early, but that was about it. No real dynamic moments like the one that resulted in her goal on Thursday night.

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  Subs & Manager

  Emily Fox (6/10):

  Got 45 minutes of rest before being thrown right back in as a substitute. Still, there's a reason why the USWNT rely on her so often, and it's because she's reliable.

  Lindsey Horan (8/10):

  Nearly scored one a few minutes after coming on, and then really scored one just moments after Williams' opener. A heck of a performance off the bench for a player who remains a guaranteed starter in real games.

  Alyssa Thompson (7/10):

  Played a part in the buildup to the USWNT opener. Definitely added life to the attack.

  Emma Sears (9/10):

  Came on and provided the crucial assist on Williams' goal with a great touch. Her own curled goal was stunning, too, as she capped off a near-perfect debut late in the match.

  Lynn Williams (9/10):

  She was about as good as you can be as a substitute. Scored the USWNT's first goal and did the hard part on the second by sliding it across goal to Horan. A fantastic game from a player that needed one to really push the rest of the competitors in attack.

  Sophia Smith (7/10):

  Like Thompson, was involved in the buildup, although it was a bit of an accident. Her mis-hit shot went right to Sears, who teed up the goal. In all seriousness, Smith's presence was felt as she immediately put Iceland on the back foot.

  Emma Hayes (8/10):

  She'll have loved everything about this. She was able to give several players a chance and then saw her team fight back against adversity. At this point in the cycle, adversity is great, particularly for a coach like Hayes who is still learning about a lot of these players.

Chelsea have held talks with club owners over potentially signing a £60,000-a-week forward who's been tipped to "become a star" like Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

Chelsea still targeting new attackers after Guiu and Dewsbury-Hall deals

The west Londoners, in similar fashion to previous years under Todd Boehly, have been one of England's most busy sides in the first few weeks of this transfer window.

Chelsea expect "complete" £20m star to travel for medical in coming weeks

The Blues are set to get their man.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 1, 2024

Euro 2024 has seemingly stalled a few other clubs, who are waiting longer to conduct their business, but the tournament hasn't stopped Chelsea's recruitment team from kickstarting their summer early doors.

Chelsea hijacked Brighton's deal for Leicester City star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall most recently, despite the Seagulls scheduling a medical for the Englishman and Jakub Moder looking set to move the other way.

The Blues made an inquiry over Dewsbury-Hall, amid Brighton's attempts to get him over the line, and that was seemingly enough for Enzo Maresca to be reunited with his star Leicester midfielder at Stamford Bridge.

Negotiations accelerated over the weekend, with Chelsea eventually sealing a £30 million deal for the midfielder who bagged 12 goals and 15 assists under Maresca at the King Power Stadium last season (Fabrizio Romano).

In recent days, Chelsea also confirmed the signings of young striker Marc Guiu in a £5 million deal from Barcelona, who penned a five-year contract, and highly-rated teenage midfielder Omari Kellyman in a £19 million move from Aston Villa.

However, Chelsea are by no means finished after this flurry of agreements. Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, who are leading Chelsea's transfer charge, are rumoured to be targeting new star first-team attackers.

Guiu and Kellyman may be seen as ones for the future, with Chelsea prepared to bid for Napoli star Victor Osimhen, among others, as they seek upgrades for Maresca.

Chelsea hold talks with Newcastle owners over Anthony Gordon

They've been heavily linked with Isak recently as well, but his rumoured price tag of around £150 million may be too much for Boehly and co as they seek to abide by PSR regulations.

That isn't to say they couldn't raid Newcastle for another star, though, as England winger Anthony Gordon turns heads at Cobham. The 23-year-old was handed a place in the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024 by Gareth Southgate, coming after an electric campaign on Tyneside where he racked up 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Journalist Simon Phillips, writing on his Substack, claims Chelsea have recently held talks with Newcastle owners over signing Gordon. Some reports claim they value him at no less than £50 million, but this may be optimistic from Chelsea's point of view.

It remains to be seen whether Eddie Howe's side are open to selling at all following the PSR deadline on June 30, but interestingly, pundits like Frank McAvennie have said Gordon, on £60,000-a-week, "could become a star like Isak".

Sporting boss Ruben Amorim has revealed the request he saw turned down before he agreed to move to Manchester United.

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• Amorim replaces Ten Hag at Manchester United
• Will take charge on November 11
• Wanted to stay at Sporting for rest of season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United have confirmed Amorim will be the club's new head coach and will take over from Erik ten Hag following his sacking after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham. The 39-year-old arrives with a glowing reputation, described by his new club as "one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football", after two title wins with Sporting and will be charged with bringing major silverware back to Manchester United. Amorim has now spoken about the move and the one thing he asked for before making the switch.

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  WHAT AMORIM SAID

  He told reporters: "The season started, we started very well, and then Manchester United came, they pay above the compensation clause and the president defends the club's interests. I never discussed anything with the president. For three days I said I wanted to stay until the end of the season, but then I was told it was not possible. It was now or never, or Manchester would go for another option. So, I had three days to make my mind up, to make a decision that changes radically my life."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amorim also revealed that plans to take his coaching staff with him, which may spell bad news for interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy who will continue to take interim charge of United until the 39-year-old arrives after the next international break. The Dutchman has made it clear he wants to stay on at Old Trafford but it remains to be seen if Amorim will offer the ex-striker a role.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  At the age of 39 years old, Amorim is the youngest Manchester United manager since a 33-year-old Wilf McGuinness took charge of the Red Devils on Boxing Day 1970 against Derby County.