United States successfully defended their CONCACAF Nations League trophy with a win over rivals Canada in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League final.
The finals were certainly memorable in Nevada – check out this Nations League recap.
The Route to the 2023 Nations League Finals
All four nations that reached the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League finals deserved their spot in Paradise. United States, Mexico, Panama, and Canada all qualified for the finals after winning their Nations League groups.
United States finished top of Group D. They picked up three wins and a draw from four group games against El Salvador and Grenada. USA scored an impressive 14 goals and conceded just two.
Canada also won three times in their group, though they did suffer a defeat to Honduras along the way. The Canadians made sure of their place in the finals with a 4-1 home success over the Hondurans on matchday four.
Unstoppable Panama
Panama did exceptionally well to beat Costa Rica and Martinique to top position in Group B. Like America; they collected ten points from a possible 12. The Panamanians were the only nation not to concede a goal in the group stage.
Mexico was involved in a fierce battle with Jamaica for first place in Group A. The Mexicans won two and drew two, and edged out the Jamaicans by just two points. A 2-2 tie with Jamaica on the final day did the business for El Tri.
Ill-Tempered Semi-Final Between United States and Mexico
In the 2023 CONCACAF semi-finals, Panama and Canada locked horns, while United States and Mexico battled. The two semi-finals, third-place play-offs, and finals were all played at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. You could bet on soccer prior to the tournament, with USA as the favorite.
In game one, the Canadians picked up a 2-0 victory over the Panamanians. Before a ball was kicked, Canada was many people’s soccer picks to win this semi-final, and John Herdman’s men proved to be too strong for Panama.
Jonathan David gave Canada the lead 20 minutes before halftime. The Canadians doubled their advantage in the 70th minute thanks to Alphonso Davies’ goal. Herdman’s men held on for a 2-0 win and a place in the CONCACAF Nations League final.
Adding Extra Spice to the Nations League
The Panama vs Canada game went by without much incident, but the fixture between rivals United States and Mexico was far different. It is usually a spicy encounter when these two nations meet, but this Nations League semi-final had extra spice.
Along with betting on all MLS soccer matches this week, you could also bet on all Nations League games. United States was the favorite to win their semi on home soil, though Mexico’s price was tempting at +225.
USA captain Christian Pulisic turned out to be America’s hero once again, netting goals in both halves to help his nation to a 3-0 win. Substitute Ricardo Pepi netted the third 11 minutes from time to give the Stars and Stripes a comfortable victory at Allegiant Stadium.
However, the game will always be remembered for four red cards. A fight ensued after a bad tackle, and Weston McKennie and Cesar Montes were both given straight red cards. There was more drama when Sergino Dest and Gerardo Arteaga clashed and were given their marching orders with five minutes remaining.
USA Retain Nations League Crown
Once the dust had settled on the semi-finals, United States and Canada locked horns in the CONCACAF Nations League final. B. J. Callaghan’s side got the job done with a routine 2-0 victory.
Christopher Richards opened the scoring in the 12th minute, and Folarin Balogun doubled USA’s advantage nine minutes before the break. United States coasted home in the second half of the CONCACAF Nations League final to keep hold of their crown.
America was the team to beat heading into the finals, and the host nation certainly lived up to the favorite tag. USA will be looking for three titles in a row when the next Nations League comes around.
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