The most important soccer tournament until 2013 begins today for the United States Men’s National Team. CONCACAF’s GOLD CUP is an every-other-year tournament between the top twelve countries in North, Central American and Caribbean. The most prominent teams in this region are the US and Mexico, but Costa Rica, Hondurus, and Jamaica are all more than capable of making a lot of noise. The tournament sets up like the World Cup. 3 pools of 4 teams, 8 advance from those pools (top two teams, then 2 wildcards) forming a knockout round of 8 tournament until we have a winner.
The Gold Cup has been dominated by the US and Mexico. The Mexican’s have won 5, the American’s, 4. The United
Clint Dempsey's Goal vs. Spain Clinched the Match
State’s last win came in 2007, which led them to the Confederations Cup, where they made major noise, knocking off Spain in the round of 4, and going up 2-0 on Brazil before falling 3-2 in the final. Mexico won in 2009 over the US in the final with the US playing it’s C-team roster, preparing for that very Confederations Cup.
This year, the Confederations Cup, known as the second biggest tournament in the world to the World Cup, is on the line again, and the US attempt to come out guns blazing. Head Coach Bob Bradley has fielded a star studded roster for the United States, which you can expect to see the likes of Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Tim Howard, and Jozy Altidore among many others.
But the top player in this tournament very likely lies on Mexico’s squad. Javier Hernandez, or “El Chicharito” is Manchester United’s starting forward, and had a doozy of a Gold Cup opener yesterday when he scored three goals in Mexico’s dominating 5-0 win over El Salvador. Other players to watch out for are Costa Rica’s Brian Ruiz, and another Mexican Giovanni Dos Santos.
Breaking Down the Pools
Group A:
Mexico – Heavy favorites to move out of this pool and play in the final at the Rosebowl on June 25. They may even be favored over the Americans. Chicharito is flat out the best striker in this tournament, and will be lethal if unmarked.
Costa Rica – Another favorite to advance. Were World Cup bound in 2009 before a last minute header by the United States dashed their dreams. If Bryan Ruiz gets hot, there aren’t many more dangerous teams than the Ticos.
Cuba – A decent squad, that have had their moments in Gold Cups, but never play well in the US. They got off to a bad start getting pounded by Costa Rica. Will likely be vying for 1 of 2 wildcard spots.
El Salvador – Probably the favorite to finish last in the group, but have a good chance against Cuba. They haven’t made it out of round 1 since 2003.
Group B:
Honduras – As one of three CONCACAF members to be represented in the World Cup last year, the Hondurans are also heavy favorites to make it to round two. GK Valladares may be the second best behind Howard.
Jamaica – This is about as strong of a Jamaican team as we’ve seen in a while. And, they’re comfortable on US turf, as they have eight MLS players. Could be a team that surprises people.
Guatemala – They will certainly be underdogs, as this is another country who has not faired well in Gold Cups. With two solid squads in their group, they will need to be Grenada, and probably draw with one of Honduras or Jamaica to have a shot at moving on.
Grenada – Grenada is likely the worst team in this year’s Gold Cup… and THEN it’s best player withdrew. Anything more than one point in three games would be a shock.
Group C:
United States – Another heavy favorite to move out of their pool, and make serious noise. The Americans are 37-4-6 all time in Gold Cup matches, and have arguably the top goal keeper in the world in Tim Howard.
Panama – A tough squad to judge. Back to 2005 they lost to the US in the Gold Cup final. But there’s been a lot of turnover in the roster. Their D will be the key if they make it through.
Canada – One of the few countries not named US or Mexico to win a Gold Cup, which they did back in 2000. They may not be a threat to do that again, but should push to make it out of Pool C.
Guadeloupe – They’ve done what US and Mexico haven’t. Won a World Cup. Sorta/Kinda. They are technically French owned, and not allowed to play in World Cups, but can participate in the Gold Cup. This is the biggest wild card in the tournament. It would not shock me if Guadalupe didn’t score a point. It would also not shock me if they were #2 behind the US.
Predictions for group play
Group A:
Mexico (3 Wins 0 Losses 0 Draws) – 9
Costa Rica (2 Wins 1 Loss 0 Draws) – 6
Cuba (1 Win 2 Losses 0 Draws) – 3
El Salvador (0 Wins 3 Losses 0 Draws) – 0
Group B:
Jamaica (2 Wins 0 Losses 1 Draw) – 7
Honduras (2 Wins 0 Losses 1 Draw) – 7
Guatemala (1 Win 2 Losses 0 Draws) – 3
Grenada (0 Wins 3 Losses 0 Draws) – 0
Group C:
United States (3 wins 0 Losses 0 Draws) – 9
Panama (1 Wins 1 Loss 1 Draws) – 4
Canada (1 Win 2 Losses 0 Draws) – 3
Guadeloupe (0 Wins 2 Losses 1 Draw) – 1
Predicted Tournament Seedings:
Costa Rica
vs.
Honduras
Mexicao
vs.
Canada
Jamaica
vs.
Panama
USA
vs.
Cuba