Tournament host United States will take on the challenge of the world's number one national team, Argentina, in the semifinals of the 2016 Copa América Centenario. The match is set to be held at the NRG Stadium in Houston on Tuesday, June 21.
USMNT advanced in the semis of this historic CONMEBOL-CONCACAF joint tournament by beating a hard-fighting Ecuador team, 2-1, at the CenturyLink Field in Seattle last Thursday, as per The Guardian.
Seattle Sounders striker Clint Dempsey netted the opening goal of the contest at the 22nd minute off an assist from teammate Jermaine Jones of the Colorado Rapids in a remarkable performance in front of his hometown fans.
An altercation between Team USA's Jones and Ecuador's Antonio Valencia, currently suited up for Manchester United, resulted in a double send off for the two players at the 52nd minute, leaving the teams with ten men each on the pitch from then on.
The lead was doubled at the 65th minute in the second half courtesy of a short tap on goal from LA Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes, this time from a cross by Dempsey.
Ecuador hitman Michael Arroyo of Club América scored a consolation at the 74th to make it more interesting in the final minutes, but it was all La Tricolor could come up with in their comeback attempt.
Meanwhile, Argentina whipped Venezuela, 4-1, in their own quarterfinals encounter at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough last Saturday, Goal reported.
Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuaín had a brace while Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi had a goal and an assist to lead La Albiceleste in the contest.
Higuain netted his two goals at the eighth and 28th minutes of the first half while Messi had his right at the hour-mark. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Erik Lamela sealed the win at the 71st, completing the four-goal haul of head coach Gerardo Martino's squad.
Argentina is favored to win this match over the Americans not only because three Team USA players - Jones, Bedoya, and Wood - will not be available because of suspensions, but because they are evidently the stronger team at any position. The only advantage Jürgen Klinsmann's boys have is they are playing at home.
The predicted result is a 3-1 win for Argentina.
United States starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Guzan; Johnson, Cameron, Brooks, Besler; Zusi, Beckerman, Bradley, Nagbe; Dempsey, Zardes
Argentina starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Romero; Mercado, Otamendi, Funes Mori, Rojo; Fernandez, Mascherano, Banega; Messi, Higuaín, Gaitan