Herculez Gomez believes the USMNT must improve if they are to reach the Gold Cup final. (1:57).Matthew Hoppe stood up and took a deflected crossing to his head. The United States led Jamaica 1-0 in the Gold Cup quarterfinals. Hoppe's decisive goal in the 83rd minute was his last involvement in the match, and it marked his debut international breakthrough performance.Hoppe was an unknown player until last year. Now, Hoppe looks like a player at World Cup qualifying at twenty-years old.Hoppe's rise is exactly the kind of opportunity this Gold Cup without European-based stars was meant to provide: opportunities for players other than Gregg Berhalter's core to progress into fall roles.- Gold Cup fixtures and results, schedule, and moreHoppe was a rookie for Schalke in November's Bundesliga. Prior to that, he had never played for the U.S. youth team. Despite flashes of success (he became the first American to score in the Bundesliga on Jan. 9, he still remains a difficult player to assess).Schalke was in disarray after Weston McKennie was sold to Juventus. He finished the 2020-21 season with only 15 points. Hoppe scored six goals in the relegation parade but his team's lackluster sense of cohesion was a limitation.Hoppe played against Jamaica with physicality and confidence on the ball. He was easily America's most energetic attacker. Hoppe was required to stay on the field when Berhalter made attacking subs in the 60th minute.Berhalter stated after the match that he believed Berhalter was able "to get chances" because he had several clear shots at goal. He was relentless. We love it when a man puts in that kind of effort and perseveres. It's because we believe he is doing a great job and is goal-threatening."It was amazing to see him score."Gregg Berhalter wanted Matthew Hoppe to display a brilliant performance against Jamaica. Omar Vega/Getty ImagesIt was also the attacking subs Berhalter made -- Gyasi Zardes, Cristian Roldan to replace Daryl Dike or Paul Arriola -- that had an impact. Hoppe was able to get his head on a cross from Roldan, but it took Zardes a little deflection before Hoppe's redirection. Before the subs, neither Dike or Arriola (who wore the captain’s armband) posed any threat.This win opens up a semifinal match against Qatar on Thursday -- the Asian champions, and 2022 World Cup host. CONCACAF invited the Qataris to join the tournament as guests. They have scored 12 goals in four matches and advanced through Saturday's 3-2 victory against El Salvador.This impressive goal-scoring rate is expected to give the United States' defense a tough test. It has been almost flawless in just four games. Although there have been some breakdowns, the USMNT has yet to allow an open goal by the USMNT. Matt Turner, New England Revolution goalkeeper, and a young backline have done a great job.Berhalter stated, "We think they are a strong team. A fun team to watch. An attacking team very dangerous in the counterattack. Some very skilled players and this game will really help us prepare."We discussed the use of this tournament to prepare players. Playing against Qatar will do that. It's a new opponent, so it's going be a great match.Walker Zimmerman was injured and Berhalter had to use a back-line of four men instead. James Sands and Miles Robinson were paired in the middle against Jamaica."I thought Miles & James did an outstanding job. Berhalter stated that she does. "Controlling the buildup, but also fighting. I found the knockout rounds to be very enjoyable for young and inexperienced players.The partnership between the center-back and back is complementary. Robinson is better at fighting fires and transition defense, while Sands has demonstrated throughout the tournament that his progressive passing is an asset. Sands is more likely to have done more for his standing in the pool, while Robinson was able to come up with key plays against Jamaica, and will likely be called upon again against Qatar.
