US Men's Soccer Team Shows Promise in World Cup, Other Teams Secure Wins

I think the Côte d'Ivoire keeper is a little lucky to get away with that.

Aleksandar Pavlovic has the ball in the back of the net, but it's ruled out for a foul on the keeper.

On replay, looks like it was a foul.

Keeper needed to be stronger though.

- AP

The early results are in: This US men's national team is for real in this World Cup.

With a quick and creative attack producing goals in front of stadium-shaking home crowds, the Americans have already won their group and booked their place in the knockout round.

A final group stage match against Türkiye in Los Angeles awaits before the pressure ramps up again.

The question now is just how far can they go? The optimism and expectations of a deep run in the tournament are rising quickly.

The American players seem eager to embrace what might have seemed inconceivable for a big nation with a relatively shallow pedigree in international soccer.

"I don't think it’s ridiculous to say that we want to win it," US defender Chris Richards said after the 2-0 win over Australia.

"We want to lift a trophy by the end of this."

- AP

The Germans did what they were supposed to do in their opening game: Win decisively over Curaçao.

The 7-1 victory was a warm-up for the game against Côte d'Ivoire, which should be a much more formidable opponent.

Côte d'Ivoire scored a late goal against Ecuador for a 1-0 win in its opener.

Côte d'Ivoire got some good news earlier this week when striker Elye Wahi, under investigation for alleged betting-related offences, received authorisation to enter Canada for the match.

"He hasn't really shown any signs of being annoyed or being discouraged," Côte d'Ivoire coach Emerse Fae said.

"He's happy. He had a good trip over here. He’s going to do everything he can to help out the team."

The Netherlands beat Sweden 5-1 in a thrilling World Cup match in Houston.

Brian Brobbey scored two early goals to put the Netherlands in control, twice finishing from close range after crosses from out wide.

Cody Gakpo scored twice in quick succession to put the Netherlands 4-0 in front, his second the 100th goal of this year's World Cup.

Sweden pulled a goal back when sub Anthony Elanga blasted home after a good run.

Crysencio Summerville drilled home a late fifth for the Netherlands to complete a dominant performance.

This has been one of the best games of this year's tournament.

Sweden might be 4-1 down but they've had their chances.

The Dutch, though, have looked powerful and quick.

They've never won a World Cup.

Could this be their year?