U.S. stuns Mexico with tie
Michael Bradley scored a stunning early goal from about 40 yards and the United States hung on for a 1-1 tie against Mexico in a World Cup qualifier last night in Mexico City.
The Americans gained only their third point at Azteca Stadium as coach Bruce Arena changed seven starters and used a five-man defense to overcome the thin air and short recovery time.
Bradley put the U.S. ahead in the sixth minute when he deflected a poor backpass by Mexican star Javier Hernandez and created his own breakaway.
Carlos Vela tied the score in the 23rd minute with a 23-yard shot that beat goalkeeper Brad Guzan to the near post, and Hector Herrera nearly put El Tri ahead in the 71st with a 30yard free kick that rebounded off the crossbar.
With its second draw in three road qualifiers, the U.S. continued to recover from its awful 0-2 start last fall and prompted chants of “U-S-A!” from the American Outlaws section in the upper deck.
Press lifts USA women
Christen Press scored to help the U.S. women’s national team beat Norway, 1-0, in a friendly in Sandefjord, Norway.
Press broke through in the 60th minute. It was her 42nd international goal.
Mallory Pugh, a 19-year-old who earlier this year decided to go pro rather than play college soccer, injured her ankle in warmups, according to U.S. Soccer. She was replaced in the starting lineup by Meghan Klingenberg.
Midfielder Rose Lavelle appeared to injure her hamstring late in the game and gingerly walked off the field. Lavelle was replaced by Carli Lloyd, who did not start against Norway after playing in a 1-0 victory over Sweden on Thursday, the first stop on the two-game European tour.
Several players did not make the trip because of injury, including Morgan Brian (knee), Tobin Heath (back) Alex Morgan (hamstring) and goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris (quad).
Costa a hit in Spain
In Barcelona, Spain, Diego Costa isn’t letting an uncertain future damage his current performances for Spain.
The Chelsea striker scored what proved to be Spain’s winner to secure a 2-1 victory at Macedonia that kept it top of its 2018 World Cup qualifying group.
The goal came after Costa said Wednesday — following Spain’s home friendly against Colombia — that Chelsea coach Antonio Conte had told him via text message that he didn’t want him on his team next season.
Four days later, Diego Costa was still wondering what club would be his next home.
Italy routed Liechtenstein 5-0 to ensure it will arrive at its potentially decisive qualifier against Spain level on 16 points. Lorenzo Insigne and Andrea Belotti both scored and set up goals to lead Italy to the easy win. Spain leads Italy on goal difference before the two meet in Madrid on Sept. 2. . . .
Hordur Magnusson headed in a last-minute goal to lead Iceland to a 1-0 win over Croatia, pulling Iceland level on points with Croatia atop Group I.
English win U-20 title
England won the Under-20 World Cup by beating Venezuela, 1-0, in the final in Suwon, South Korea, for its first global soccer title since 1966.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in the first half, and goalkeeper Freddie Woodman preserved the lead by saving a second-half penalty from Adalberto Penaranda as Venezuela missed out on a first FIFA trophy.
It ends decades of English underachievement on the international stage since winning the senior World Cup 51 years ago on home soil.