Another former Munich player decisive: USA secures quarter-final ticket

The USA have already secured their second Gold Cup victory, thus earning a spot in the quarterfinals. A former Bayern Munich player also ultimately made the difference in the match against Saudi Arabia.

All hell broke loose: Chris Richards turns around to celebrate. IMAGO/Imagn Images

US coach Mauricio Pochettino surprised everyone with one thing even before kickoff: For the first time in his tenure, he fielded the same starting eleven in two consecutive matches. However, the 5-0 victory against Trinidad & Tobago , in which former Munich player Tillman laid the foundation with a brace, offered little opportunity for the starting lineup to attack.

It quickly became clear, however, that the Saudi Arabia match would be a different challenge. Against the No. 58 team in the FIFA World Rankings, the USA were unable to generate nearly as much attacking power. In a match with few highlights, the crowd enthusiastically celebrated former Munich player Richards' decisive tackle on the unmarked Al-Obud (31'). Striker Agyemang missed the home side's best opportunity with a close-range header that blazed a shot at goalkeeper Al-Aqidi (45').

After the break, Al-Obud caused a moment of shock for the home side, but his shot hit the crossbar, prompting an offside flag (59'). Shortly afterward, a set piece made the difference: Berhalter's free-kick cross from the right was decisively slotted into the net by Richards with his left foot (63').

A force in the group stage

Despite the narrow victory, the score in this match should remain manageable. The USA are a force in the Gold Cup group stage: The 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia marked their 42nd victory, with only five draws and a single loss. The Americans have also won their group in 16 of their 17 Gold Cup appearances.