Uncertainty over the timing and location of the Under-20 World Cup continues two days after Indonesian authorities postponed the official draw for the May 20-June 11 tournament because of protests over Israelâs qualification. The draw, scheduled to held in Bali on Friday, was delayed indefinitely by Indonesiaâs soccer federation amid backlash from conservative Islamic groups. Doubt had already been cast on the draw ceremony when the governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, called for a ban on Israel playing there because of Indonesiaâs diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause.
Second-half sub Ricardo Pepi needed almost no time to make his presence felt, delivering the game-winning goal in the United States' 1-0 victory over El Salvador on Monday in the CONCACAF Nations League.Although the defending champions needed only a point against El Salvador to assure themselves of a place in the final four of the Nations League in June, Pepi said the win at home mattered.
The United States mens national team is off to the Concacaf Nations League semifinals after beating El Salvador 1-0 on Monday.