The Rondo: Canadian spy controversy, American Olympic victory, and American European friendlies

Olympic feats, Canadian players’ fair play, European matches, and lessons learned from the MLS ASG.

US soccer is having a great time. The USMNT’s disastrous exit from the Copa America in the group stage and Gregg Berhalter’s subsequent firing marked the beginning of a terrible summer for the team. With the Olympics offering the ideal stage for development, however, things have since turned around. It is the first time since 2000 that both the men’s and women’s teams have advanced to the quarterfinals, with the women’s team appearing to be on a strong trajectory.

However, there is more than one plot in this week’s lovely game. Following a surveillance controversy in which the football federation of Canada used drones to record other teams’ training, the country is under criticism. While European teams are in the middle of their summer tours in the United States, spectators are swarming stadiums across the nation to watch some of the greatest in the world.

There’s a lot to unpack, and in the most recent edition of… The Rondo, the writers at GOAL US tackle it all and more.

Tom Hindle: They definitely has talent. The USWNT is currently playing some incredible stuff under Emma Hayes, and her front three is the most cohesive attacking group this nation has seen in a long time. Despite all of the positive energy, there’s still a feeling that they haven’t been put to the test in a real way. Japan won’t be an easy opponent, and Australia played them nearly evenly. But are they any better than Spain? Most likely not. But they would most likely accept a silver medal.

Schneider Jacob: If the group stage has taught us anything, it’s that this attack is working. And when they perform at their peak? Look, they’re entertaining to watch. Mal Swanson seems to be the anchor of the entire offense, Sophia Smith seems so at ease in the center, and Trinity Rodman has been outstanding. Gold might be in their future if they continue in this manner.

Ryan Tolmich: They have a nice path ahead of them, with France and Spain on a collision course, but it seems like they would still be the underdogs against those two. Emma Hayes deserves a lot of credit for the progress this team has made, but before we can declare them exceptional once more, they must defeat a top team.

TH: Perhaps? The USMNT appears to be developing at the ideal moment. In the last group match, they thrashed Guinea and at last displayed the attacking prowess that a youthful, dynamic team had always promised. On the other hand, Morocco is doing well. The nation is still bursting with enthusiasm following their improbable 2022 World Cup run. Arguably the greatest full back in the world, Achraf Hakimi, is still among their numbers. Although it will be a close game, Morocco most likely prevails.

JS: That’s true, but it won’t be simple. John Tolkin will have his hands full, and Paxten Aaronson will be pivotal. The attacker from Eintracht Frankfurt will probably be used at the 9 once more, which means that he will carry the most of the team’s offensive impetus. When Hakimi advances in an offensive manner, Tolkin will probably be the one assigned to maintain his silence. If anything, the match will be thrilling.

RT: Of course, what makes sense? This group has potential and exudes confidence. Morocco is the same. Hakimi will be their finest player on the field, but these squads are similar in other regards. Without a doubt, the United States has a chance, and they will prefer this draw over the anticipated Argentina.

TH: Not at all. One of those unique soccer spectacles with little genuine significance is the All-Star Game. MLS has experimented with formats in the past, and hosting the Liga MX All-Stars makes a lot more sense than sending Arsenal’s reserves to take on the top teams in the league. However, the game’s rewards are limited to bragging rights. Just good TV, nothing special.

JS: Not exactly, but I agree. A game including all-stars. No one takes it too seriously; people are just having fun. It was more like the warm-up to the Leagues Cup, which is currently in progress.

RT: Definitely not. This is not even a cordial relationship; it’s something less. There are different levels of seriousness in this pick-up game. Have fun, accept it for what it is, and move on. Watch the Leagues Cup if you wish to compare leagues.

TH: Definitely not. Let’s be clear: in order to obtain an unfair advantage and win games, the Canadian football Federation engaged in cheating. That is not permitted. Furthermore, employing actual drones for this kind of scouting is definitely going too far, despite numerous claims to the contrary. But the players were clueless as to how precisely this was accomplished. They assert that they were not a part of a grand plot. So, yeah, suspend the coach, ban some senior officials, but don’t ruin some veterans of the game’s last chance at success. Good for them for squeaking into the knockouts.

JS: Definitely from a federation perspective. It’s a little annoying from a moral perspective for the gamers, and you have to feel bad for them. What’s even more amazing—and crucial—is that Canada overcome hardship to finish in third place. It’s really encouraging to see the group gel.

RT: Well, that’s fair enough, but this goes beyond Canada alone. Teams will search for a competitive advantage as long as sports are played. Canada was detected after doing so. As easy as that. Others will experience it, and Didier Drogba and Tyler Adams claim that different types of espionage are not unusual. Canada, take this to heart and remember that if you’re going to break the law, do it more intelligently.

Though it’s not nearly huge enough for supporters to go to New York, Los Angeles, or Philadelphia to see backups, American soccer culture is expanding daily. Of course, watching the next wave of talent emerge may have some appeal. However, if you’re spending a lot of money to watch Real Madrid, you presumably want to see Jude Bellingham or Kylian Mbappe play. It’s not the club’s fault that Madrid has left both at home; such players need a break. However, it must be disappointing for American fans who might not get another opportunity to see the greatest in the world. Watch the world’s best play for the enthusiastic children!

JS: Regardless, the fans will turn out. Is that unfortunate? Yes, it is. However, it’s reasonable to assume that the chances of the Euro clubs selling more tickets increase if they brought those players. Among the most important lessons learned from the U.S. preseason games played over the past two weeks is that not a single game has been completely sold out. Not even one. Prices for tickets undoubtedly play a role in that, but offering supporters an incentive to accept when they’re already split 50/50 would probably encourage a higher turnout.

RT: Sometimes you just have to accept things as they are. When you purchase tickets for these matches, you are aware of what you are getting into. It’s the team that you will see, not individual players. It’s regrettable and, to be honest, it benefits the team’s brands more when the stars play, but fitness comes first. Even though it’s not what the fans want to hear, coaches must set priorities and ultimately protect their athletes.