Interestingly, Gantar has Edmonton-Valour in the CPL tonight. That would seem to indicate he was released from the Gold Cup awhile ago and, perhaps, the CSA always knew he’d be released? I don’t know how else this assignment could have worked. Given he was seemingly a 50/50 shot to do the final if it was US-Mexico, well, maybe it wasn’t a 50/50 shot at all!
29 years old. Wow. Only American players older are the two backup keepers. 9 Mexican players older (3 in goal)
Also, I really like the sub tracker that Fox is using like the timeout counters in other sports. It's nice to have and I don't think I've seen it before this tournament.
The tactic of delaying the goalkeeper from releasing the ball for a counterattack is something IFAB is going to need to address soon. It’s very clear it’s being instructed by major clubs and national teams. And referees don’t call it because the remedy (IFK) slows down the counter possibility even more. Plus, most of the time, everyone accepts it because both teams do it. But it’s going to lead to frustration and retaliation. And it is a tactic specifically designed to prevent attacking soccer. You’ve got to think the technical committees are noticing.
Very impressed with Martinez so far. He's calling a tight match and not allowing the match to get crazy. He's doing an excellent job of keeping the match temperature down. I like this guy.
I would echo most of this but add the caveat he hasn’t had a real flash point yet to test him, either. I think he’s done what he’s needed to do, which is laudable. But he’s also benefited from a match where both teams are still just playing for the win without any foolishness.
My counterpoint would be that I think by calling things tight early, he hasn't allowed a flash point to occur. We'll see what happens later. Compare that to Parchment's work on Thursday, where he didn't call much and allowed multiple flash points to flare up early.
Sure, which is why he deserves praise so far. But a match like this still has a flashpoint or two in it, if not more. And that’s when he’ll be tested. The PI/PO also will become a question by minute 60-70 or so if we continue at this pace. We are at 19 fouls already. Nothing stands out as needing to be addressed so far. But how far can you go without a card, even if every single foul is careless? It’s more a philosophical question than anything and I suppose the CONCACAF answer is infinity. But it will be interesting to see if he tries to draw a line in that regard. If no one on the field cares, it’s probably not a battle that needs to be picked.
Hey did you guys know Said Martinez is 29? I can’t wait for the announcers to focus on his age and inexperience if this goes sideways. Instead of just praising him for a job done well thus far, everything is seemingly framed as a young guy desperately trying to not let himself end up in over his head.
That would not have been a wise yellow card to make his first one in this match. Carding that wouldn’t have even crossed my mind and I’m almost certain it didn’t cross his.
The foul off-the-ball on Arriola was the first one that really felt like a caution, but I can understand why he ate it and maybe felt it wouldn't have been the easiest sell.
Very similar foul to the Jesus foul in the Copa America. I called it - borderline yellow in CONCACAF. It's unbelievable. That's as red as you can get - studs to the back of the head. It's CONCACAF.