CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE
Results of the first leg matches of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals
Thursday saw the first legs of two key games in the competition with the final guest places at next summer’s Copa América still up for grabs.
Nothing is decided but there are a couple of nations that must be contemplating who they may be facing at the 2024 Copa América following their first leg victories. Let’s take a look at the results and what that means for the respective teams.
CONCACAF Nations League results
The United States men’s team came into the home game against Trinidad and Tobago knowing that despite being hosts of the joint CONMEBOL-CONCACAF tournament next summer, their place was not guaranteed. A win over the Soca Warriors across the two-legged encounter was required and Gregg Berhalter’s team took a massive step towards that with a 3-0 victory.
It turned out not to be as straightforward as many (including yours truly) had predicted with fans having to wait until the 82nd minute before Ricardo Pepi found the breakthrough. The 10-men of Trinidad and Tobago then lost two more late on as Antonee Robinson and Gio Reyna added the gloss. The second leg should be a formality.
The other quarter-final first leg on Thursday gave us an identical result, although this time the 0-3 scoreline went to the visitors Panama. Scoring the goals were Murillo (4′), Fajardo (29′) and Waterman (60′), and Costa Rica have a mountain to climb if they are to come back from the loss.
Friday’s CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals
As is rather customary with quarter-finals, we have two more to go following Thursday’s two matches. Mexico travel to Honduras, while Jamaica will host Canada.