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On Thursday morning, I said "don't hold your breath" for the US to reach the next round of the Toulon Tournament. But surprisingly, the exact scenario the U23 USMNT needed in order to advance to Sunday's third-place playoff match actually happened. [Editor's Note: FIFA is not involved in the Toulon Tournament...stop that cynical thinking right now.]
Last place Qatar drew Costa Rica 1-1 and first place France blew out Netherlands 4-0, opening the door for the US book a spot for one final game.
The US and Netherlands both finished their group with six points, but due to the score line of Group A's last match, the US managed to squeak by on goal differential: besting the Dutch by 0 to -1. New York Red Bulls II midfielder, Dan Metzger and his team will prepare to take on the second-placed team in Group B for their final match at Toulon.
There are a few different scenarios: the US could face Mexico, Morocco or England. The Americans will know their opponent by 2:45pm EDT on Friday (just in time for USMNT vs. Holland on ESPN2).
Mexico are in the driver's seat for the next round. Any point-generating result against Morocco, will advance El Tri. They only way they won't advance is if they lose to Morocco and England win with enough goals to make up their three-goal difference with Mexico.
WHO Morocco U-23s vs Mexico U-23s
WHEN 10:50 a.m. (June 5)
WHERE Stade Léo Lagrange, Toulon, France
HOW beIN Sports, beIN Sports Connect