The United States and Jamaica validated their ticket for the semi-finals of the Gold Cup, a competition bringing together the best selections from Concacaf (North, Central America and the Caribbean), by eliminating Canada (2-2, 3 -2 after tab) and Guatemala (1-0), Sunday in Cincinnati (Ohio).
American substitute Brandon Vazquez opened the scoring in the 88th minute of a hitherto lackluster encounter between the two North American neighbours. The Canadians managed to equalize in stoppage time when, after consultation with the VAR, the referee designated the penalty spot and Steven Vitoria knew how to keep his composure to convert it.
Canada, which has not won against the United States on home soil since 1957, then took the lead in the first period of overtime through Jacob Shaffelburg.
But the players of interim coach B.J. Callaghan found a way to snatch a penalty shootout with an own goal six minutes from the end of second extra time by Canadian defender Scott Kennedy.
During this one, the American goalkeeper of Arsenal Matt Turner was decisive in stopping two attempts of the Canucks.
The Reggae Boyz, who have never won the Gold Cup, managed to dominate determined players from Guatemala, thanks to a goal from Amari’i Bell in the 51st minute. In the semi-finals played on Wednesday in Las Vegas, Mexico, the most successful team in the competition with 11 successes, will face Jamaica, while the United States, defending champions, will be opposed to Panama.
