The final four nations in the Concacaf W Gold Cup are set to play in epic semifinal matches this Wednesday night! Brazil takes on Mexico, the United States renews its rivalry with Canada! But how did we get to these final four nations at the inaugural W Gold Cup? Let’s take a look back at the quarterfinals to see!
Recapping the W Gold Cup Quarterfinals
Canada 1 – 0 Costa Rica
In a rematch of the final group stage match in Group C, Canada, and Costa Rica met for the right to advance to the W Gold Cup semifinals. Canada was unstoppable in the group stage, winning all three matches and boasting a combined score of 13-0. Costa Rica lost two of their three matches, but a 2-0 win over El Salvador was enough to get them to the knockout rounds.
In this knockout match, it was clear that both nations had very different ways they wanted to play. Canada wanted to dominate the ball and the game, Costa Rica wanted to defend and hit Canada on the counterattack. This led to differences in the stat sheet. Canada produced 20 shots, seven on target; Costa Rica created just two shots and one on target. Even so, Costa Rica was able to hold out, stifling Canada for 90 minutes.
The match was 0-0 and needed 30 more minutes to decide a winner. It took time, but Canada was able to score in the 104th minute. Evelyne Viens scored with a nice assist from Jessie Fleming. Canada moves on to the Semifinals where they’d meet the winner of USA vs Colombia!
Brazil 5 – 1 Argentina
The W Gold Cup’s knockout rounds continued to give us great matchups in the quarterfinals. Brazil and Argentina renewed their rivalry. Brazil picked up three wins in the group stage, scoring seven goals and conceding none. Argentina won a game, lost a game, and drew a game; could Argentina get one over on their rivals, or would Brazil continue to dominate?
While both teams looked to play in similar ways, to create some beautiful soccer, this match came down to execution. Brazil was just sharper on the day. They scored twice before the 40th minute to take a commanding lead into halftime. They then scored two more goals before the 70th minute. At 4-0, Brazil was coasting. Argentina was able to find a consolation goal in the 82nd minute, but Brazil spoiled that moment by nabbing a fifth goal in second-half stoppage time.
Brazil advanced after knocking out their rivals; they’ll take on the winner of Mexico vs Paraguay in the W Gold Cup semis.
Mexico 3 – 2 Paraguay
In what would turn out to be the most thrilling matchup in the W Gold Cup quarterfinals, Mexico and Paraguay clashed. Mexico has been the surprise team in this tournament getting two wins and a draw while scoring 10 goals and conceding none. Paraguay didn’t do too shabby in the group stage either, winning two matches and losing one; their goal difference wasn’t the best scoring four and conceding six. Who would come out on top and continue their storybook W Gold Cup run going?
This match was the epitome of back-and-forth. Both teams were going at each other, but only Mexico was able to score in the first half thanks to a Lizbeth Ovalle strike. Mexico would add another goal early in the second half thanks to Karen Luna. That’s when Paraguay woke up, getting a goal back in the 64th minute. Ovalle scored Mexico’s third goal just minutes later, and Paraguay fought to get a second goal in the 72nd minute. With just about 15 minutes left, Paraguay pushed for the equalizer, but could never find it.
Mexico held on to a 3-2 win, and moved on to face the mighty Brazil in the W Gold Cup semifinals!
USA 3 – 0 Colombia
The USA was coming off a rare loss to Mexico. That coupled with two big wins had the USWNT on the more “difficult” side of the bracket. Colombia came into the W Gold Cup quarterfinals after securing two big wins and a tough loss to Brazil. Who would come out on top in this one? Regina Ham went in-depth on this match, below!
The USA got back to its winning ways and will move on to the semifinals to face their longtime rivals Canada in the W Gold Cup semifinals!
Here come the semifinals!
The final four of this W Gold Cup all play Wednesday night to see who will be in the first-ever final of the competition! Here’s a look at the matchups:
- Brazil vs Mexico | Wednesday, March 6 | 7 pm EST
- Canada vs USA | Wednesday, March 6 | 10:15 pm EST
Will we see Brazil continue to be big-time or will Mexico continue their Cinderella run to the title game? Will the USA be able to play directly and not passively against a Canadian team that does not like to sit back and allow play to happen? We’ll have to tune in to Paramount+ to find out!
Best W Gold Cup Bets
Be sure to return to Philly Sports Network for more Philadelphia Union and other soccer content!
Follow our Union team on Twitter:
Tim Lovenguth | Jimmy King | Paul Frenzel
Eric Frysinger | Liam Jenkins | Regina Ham
Steve Beavon | Justin Friedberg | Zach LoBasso
Doop on Union fans!
Mandatory Credit: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
