Hello, folks! The USA has shrugged off all those dire predictions with its entry into the Copa America Centenario semi-finals, the first time since 1995. They beat a strong Ecuadorian side in the quarterfinals and now face Argentina, the tournament favaourites. The USMNT however will face the Albiceleste without Jermaine Jones, their midfield engine and emotional leader as well as Bobby Wood, who had sparkled in that Ecuadorian game. Jones was suspended for allegedly throwing a punch and Wood received a second yellow in the tournament – two decisions that soon became contentious talking points. How will they rebound? Who will take their place?
The other half of the semifinals see Chile take on Colombia after administering Mexico a 7-0 thrashing. El Tri had no answer to the incessant high pressing game of the El Roja with Eduardo Vargas scoring four goals.
On the other side of the pond, the hosts France are making a habit of leaving it late for victory, Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo are stuttering in their Euro campaign, England facing desolation pulled off a last minute win through Sturridge against Wales, the canny Italians playing to their strengths to book passage to the last 16, the Germans were brought down to ground by the Poles, and little Iceland were on the brink of pulling off their first win in the Euros but were foiled by the dastardly Magyars.
Wil Walker of the Wil Walker show and Shourin Roy of Soccerblog discuss the Copa, the Euro, and anything and everything soccer.
The Clean Sheet podcast today at 5:30 PM
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