It`s Friday, and the weekend promises a wealth of tournament football action on both sides of the Atlantic. Here`s a look at the latest developments in the football world.
Upcoming Matches
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Friday, July 4
- Women`s Euro: Denmark vs. Sweden, 12 p.m.
- Women`s Euro: Germany vs. Poland, 3 p.m.
- CWC: Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal, 3 p.m.
- MLS: FC Dallas vs. Minnesota United, 8:45 p.m.
- CWC: Palmeiras vs. Chelsea, 9 p.m.
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Saturday, July 5
- Women`s Euro: Wales vs. Netherlands, 12 p.m.
- CWC: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern München, 12 p.m.
- Women`s Euro: France vs. England, 3 p.m.
- CWC: Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund, 4 p.m.
- WAFCON: Morocco vs. Zambia, 4 p.m.
- MLS: Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City, 7:15 p.m.
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Sunday, July 6
- WAFCON: Senegal vs. Congo DR, 10 a.m.
- Women`s Euro: Norway vs. Finland, 12 p.m.
- WAFCON: Nigeria vs. Tunisia, 12 p.m.
- Women`s Euro: Switzerland vs. Iceland, 3 p.m.
- WAFCON: Algeria vs. Botswana, 3 p.m.
- MLS: Seattle Sounders vs. Columbus Crew, 5:15 p.m.
- Gold Cup final: USMNT vs. Mexico, 7 p.m.
Football World Mourns Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota, a Premier League winner with Liverpool and Portugal international, tragically died in a car accident in Spain on Thursday. His younger brother, Andre Silva, also passed away in the incident. Jota was 28, and Silva was 25.
The news prompted a wave of tributes and condolences for Jota`s family and loved ones, including his three young children and his wife Rute Cardoso, whom he married recently. Moments of silence were held before matches, and teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect. Fans also displayed messages and signs.
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Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager:
This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can`t see it! I`m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace.
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Ruben Neves, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Portugal teammate:
They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.
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Andy Robertson, Liverpool teammate:
For the team and the Club, we`ll try to cope with this together… however long that takes. For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy. I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now. It`s the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun. … I can`t believe we`re saying goodbye. It`s too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo.
USMNT Faces Mexico in Gold Cup Final
The U.S. Men`s National Team (USMNT) is set to play Mexico in the Concacaf Gold Cup final on Sunday. This match marks the first final meeting between these regional rivals in four years and presents a significant opportunity for the young USMNT squad to conclude their summer campaign successfully.
Mauricio Pochettino`s team reached the final after a 2-1 victory over Guatemala in the semifinals. The match highlighted both the potential and inexperience of this USMNT group. Diego Luna was a standout performer, scoring twice in the first 15 minutes and continuing his impressive form, bolstering his chances for a place on the next World Cup roster. The 21-year-old`s performances, along with midfielder Malik Tillman, suggest Pochettino might reshape the midfield, potentially impacting Gio Reyna`s position unless he shows strong form.
Sunday`s final offers a prime chance for players like Luna and Tillman to impress and potentially secure Pochettino`s first major statement win. It`s also an opportunity to address defensive weaknesses. While the experimental roster successfully identified attacking options, the defense was vulnerable against Guatemala. The final against Mexico will be a sterner test for potential World Cup defenders like wingbacks Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman, and center backs Chris Richards and Tim Ream.
There will be positives regardless of Sunday`s outcome, but for the USMNT to chart a true redemption arc after a year of disappointing results, lifting this final piece of silverware before the World Cup will be key.
In Other News
- Diogo Jota remembered: Tributes highlighted his skill and entertaining style of play.
- Thomas Partey charged: Former Arsenal player faces charges of rape and sexual assault in the U.K. related to incidents between 2021 and 2022.
- USWNT victorious: The U.S. Women`s National Team defeated Canada 3-0, with a young squad impressing during Emma Hayes` period of experimentation.
- Club World Cup Quarterfinals: A ranking of the matchups for the final eight teams.
- Chelsea`s Strikers: Analysis and ranking of Chelsea`s large squad of 20 strikers as the club looks to offload players.
Football Betting Tips
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Club World Cup Prediction: Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund
Pick: Vinicius Junior to score.
Real Madrid is heavily favored to advance in the Club World Cup after beating Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final. Vinicius Junior, who scored in their previous meeting, is a strong candidate to score again on Saturday. As Xabi Alonso`s attacking strategy develops and with Kylian Mbappe`s status uncertain, Vinicius has been a consistent attacking threat alongside Gonzalo Garcia, making him a good choice to add another goal to his record.
Watch on CBS Sports Golazo Network
- Morning Footy (Weekdays): The network`s main morning show featuring highlights, interviews, and key football stories. Also available as a podcast.
- Champions League Today: Pregame studio coverage with analysts.
- The Champions Club: Post-match analysis and reactions.
- Scoreline: Daily show covering global football news, results, and highlights.
