The soccer universe just witnessed one of its finest games in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The quarterfinal draw between the USMNT and Canada went down to the wire. During the game, tensions ran high among both players and fans alike. At halftime, certain players from both teams took jabs at each other, with many fans now reacting to the heated incident.
Canada suffered a tragic loss thanks to Matt Turner’s heroics in goal. After a 2-2 draw at the end of extra time, a penalty shootout was the only way to decide a winner. And that’s when Arsenal’s backup goalkeeper rose to the occasion.
Fans enjoy the banter after a 0-0 but feisty end to the first half
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The USMNT dominated possession throughout the game. The stats point out that the US consistently hogged more than 60% of possession. The first half was a quiet one, right until stoppage time. VAR confirmed that Zac McGraw hadn’t won a penalty and the rage on the field was palpable. However, hell broke loose when the players walked to their dressing rooms after the first half.
The clip, in which a brawl could be seen breaking out, immediately went viral on social media. Several media personnel from inside the tunnel captured snippets of the major brawl. Players from either side could be pictured. Within a minute, the angered players were forcefully separated. While some fans tried to jokingly remind themselves that their real rival was Mexico, the rest couldn’t help but join the banter.
Here are a few reactions from fans:
To begin with, a USMNT fan directly aimed a few darts at the opposition fans by referring to them as ‘America’s hat’.
When Canada got tired of being called "America's hat."
— Wayne B. Bergeron (@SocialVaseline) July 10, 2023
Many others joined the banter session and simply took a backseat.
Love a dawg fight 😂
— Titanminded (@titanminded) July 10, 2023
not very Canadian of em
— Ed (@iamabigpotatob) July 10, 2023
Embarrassing for both countries.
— Kimberly Joe (@kbj4sharks) July 10, 2023
While another fan tried to ‘rationalize’ the meaning behind the fight.
I love it. Stuff like this should happen in the heat of the moment when athletes are passionate and giving it all. No harm done in the end. Might have even got in their heads a bit.
— porter (@Porter_JDP) July 10, 2023
There was a separate subset of the fanbase who tried to calm things down between USA and Canada. They reiterated that Mexico was their mutual rival!
Hey, hey, hey, hey, HEY! This ain’t Mexico
— Ryan Miller (@RyanMil98412893) July 10, 2023
C'mon guys, save that stuff for our one true enemy, Mexico. https://t.co/FG915h5JNc
— Randy L-H (@TheFirstRandy) July 10, 2023
Undoubtedly, it was an enjoyable and passionate moment between the player and the fans. While the scoresheet still reflected 0 – 0, the game was no less of a thriller.
Matt Turner turns out to be the last man standing for the USMNT
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The second half was underway. But the game didn’t witness a goal right until the 88 minute. While Brandon Vazquez believed he had won the game for the US, Canada’s Steven Vitoria banged in a penalty during stoppage time. Which meant that the game was going into extra time! As Canada took the lead during extra time, an own goal by Scott Kennedy saw their faces drop again.
120 minutes were done and it was time for the penalty shootout. USMNT goalie Matt Turner turned in a performance of a lifetime as he managed to save 2 out of 5 penalties. He saved two and Canada missed another one. The USMNT had just missed one. Canada’s Charles-Andreas Brym stepped up to the spot to take their final penalty. But it just wasn’t meant to be for the Canadians.
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The American soccer players and fans jumped for joy while the Canadians hung their heads in dismay. The USMNT will now face Panama in the Semifinal of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. What do you think about the halftime brawl? Let us know in the comments below.