Soccer is a popular sport in both the United States and Canada, but the two countries have a long history of rivalry and competition in the game. Here are 10 reasons why the USA vs Canada match in the gold cup is more than just a friendly:
- The gold cup is the most prestigious tournament for teams in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. It is also a qualifying event for the FIFA Confederations Cup and the FIFA World Cup. Winning the gold cup means earning respect and recognition in the region and beyond.
- The United States and Canada are neighbors and share many cultural, economic and political ties. However, they also have differences and disagreements on various issues, such as trade, immigration, climate change and foreign policy. These tensions can sometimes spill over into the soccer field, where each team wants to assert its identity and values.
- The United States has dominated the gold cup since its inception in 1991, winning seven titles and reaching 11 finals. Canada has only won the gold cup once, in 2000, and has not reached the final since then. The Canadians want to prove that they can challenge the Americans and end their dominance in the tournament.
- The United States has a larger population, more resources and more exposure to soccer than Canada. The Americans have produced many world-class players, such as Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Christian Pulisic and Megan Rapinoe, who have played in top leagues and clubs around the world. The Canadians have struggled to develop their soccer talent and infrastructure, and have relied on players with dual citizenship or foreign-born players, such as Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Christine Sinclair, to boost their national teams.
- The United States and Canada have met 36 times in men’s soccer, with the Americans winning 18 times, drawing 11 times and losing seven times. However, the Canadians have won two of the last three matches, including a historic 2-0 victory in Toronto in 2019, which was their first win over the Americans in 34 years. The Canadians want to build on their recent success and show that they are closing the gap with their rivals.
- The United States and Canada have met 61 times in women’s soccer, with the Americans winning 51 times, drawing seven times and losing three times. The Americans are the most successful team in women’s soccer history, winning four FIFA World Cups and four Olympic gold medals. The Canadians are one of their main challengers, winning two Olympic bronze medals and reaching the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup in 2003 and 2015. The Canadians want to end their losing streak against the Americans and claim their first major title.
- The United States and Canada have produced some memorable moments and controversies in their soccer rivalry. For example, in 2007, the Americans beat the Canadians 2-1 in the gold cup semifinal with a controversial goal by Benny Feilhaber that appeared to be offside. In 2012, the Americans beat the Canadians 4-3 in the Olympic semifinal with a dramatic goal by Alex Morgan in stoppage time, after a controversial call by the referee that awarded a free kick to the Americans for time-wasting by the Canadian goalkeeper.
- The United States and Canada have some of the most passionate and loyal fans of soccer. They travel across borders to support their teams and create a festive and noisy atmosphere in the stadiums. They also engage in friendly banter and trash talk on social media and other platforms, showing their pride and patriotism for their countries.
- The United States and Canada have some of the best coaches and managers in soccer. The Americans are led by Gregg Berhalter for the men’s team and Vlatko Andonovski for the women’s team, who have both implemented modern and attractive styles of play that emphasize possession, creativity, and high pressing. The Canadians are led by John Herdman for the men’s team and Bev Priestman for the women’s team, who have both transformed their teams into more confident, cohesive, and competitive units that can challenge any opponent.
- The United States and Canada have a common goal of growing soccer in their countries and inspiring future generations of players and fans. They both face challenges such as competing with other sports, attracting media attention and funding, developing grassroots programs and facilities, and overcoming stereotypes and prejudices. They both recognize that soccer is more than just a game; it is a way of life that can bring people together across cultures, backgrounds, and borders.