HOUSTON, Texas – The 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals delivered some memorable moments across the four matches. Here are the five that stand out the most.
Hatem’s ‘golazo’ paces Qatar
2021 Gold Cup guest nation Qatar reached the semifinals with a 3-2 win over El Salvador in which Abdelaziz Hatem produced one of the best goals of the tournament. With his team already leading 1-0 in the 8’, Hatem received a pass from Pedro Miguel, made a slight move to his left before cutting back to his right and unleashing a curling strike across goal that beat El Salvador GK Mario Gonzalez and nestled just inside the far post to give his side a 2-0 lead. It was a goal that many won’t soon forget.
Canada make triumphant semifinal return
Canada are back in the Gold Cup semifinals for the first time since 2007 after posting a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica. Three previous times the Canadians had reached the quarterfinal stage of the Gold Cup since that spirited campaign 14 years ago, but on each had come up just short, including a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Haiti two years ago in the 2019 edition. But this year it was a different story and a fantastic all-around performance with goals from Junior Hoilett and Stephen Eustaquio have Canada back in the Gold Cup’s final four.
Mexico produce breathtaking first half
One could make the argument that Mexico’s first half in their 3-0 win over Honduras was the best half of football played by any team thus far in the current Gold Cup. El Tricolor came storming out of the gates and had the Catrachos pegged back from the first minute. After a few near misses, the Mexico attack broke through with a perfectly aimed header from Rogelio Funes Mori, a sensational volley from Jonathan dos Santos and a thumping header from Orbelin Pineda off a pinpoint cross from Jesus Gallardo. The three goals in a 13-minute span was the exclamation point on a breathtaking first half display from the reigning champions.
Hoppe the hero for the U.S.
Coming into the Gold Cup, United States FW Matthew Hoppe had never appeared for the U.S. at any level, senior or youth national team, but the 20-year-old has taken full advantage of his opportunity in the Gold Cup and turned into a U.S. hero with his game-winning goal against Jamaica. The Schalke striker had a pair of opportunities earlier in the game to score, but was unable to find a way past Jamaica GK Andre Blake, but the third time proved a charm as his 83rd minute header beat the reaching Blake to secure the U.S.’ spot in the semifinals.
El Salvador’s fighting spirit
El Salvador’s Gold Cup may have come to an end, but they won over neutrals with their exciting football throughout the tournament, and especially in their valiant comeback attempt in the 3-2 quarterfinal loss to Qatar. Staring at a 3-0 deficit with less than a half-hour remaining, El Salvador bravely launched a fierce rally in which Joaquin Rivas struck twice in four minutes to bring the Central Americans to within a goal. Despite their best efforts, a third goal was not meant to be, but it was a clear sign that this current El Salvador team will be a handful to face in the coming years.
