National Teams

It was one of those miserable Texas days when the sun never comes out and you’re not entirely sure where the sky ends and the clouds begin. It was cold and it was rainy. It was a far cry from typical weather back in Kingston — but it was the greatest day in the history of the Jamaica women's national team.

Jamaica defeated Panama 4-2 in a shootout after a 2-2 draw in the third-place match of the Concacaf Women’s Championship to clinch the region’s final automatic berth to the 2019 women’s World Cup on Wednesday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. 

Last night in Dublin, Wales defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0 thanks to Harry Wilson’s stunning free kick in the 58th minute. The win put the Dragons at the top of UEFA Nations League B Group 4, and a victory over Denmark in Cardiff on Nov. 16 would see the nation promoted to League A — an achievement that would make Ryan Giggs’ early tenure as boss a resounding success.

A few groans went out across the country when Bobby Wood was given the start against Colombia in the USMNT’s friendly on Thursday in Florida. The reason was made clear on Tuesday night when Josh Sargent got his chance against Peru.

Sargent, an 18-year-old native of Missouri, showed that he’s the future for the U.S. at the striker position with some excellent hold-up play, passing and — most importantly — goal scoring as the USMNT tied Peru 1-1 on Tuesday in Connecticut. 

Belgium and newly crowned world champion Holland played to a 1-1 friendly draw Tuesday at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, but the match was blessed with an almighty banger from Dries Mertens and the first international goal for 21-year-old Dutchman Arnaut Groeneveld. 

Kylian Mbappé is really fast. Like, super fast.

For much of the France vs. Germany UEFA Nations League match on Tuesday, he was Les Bleus’ only offensive threat with his blinding speed. Then Antoine Griezmann showed up in the second half to propel France to a 2-1 win over Germany, putting the 2014 World Cup champions on the brink of being relegated.