The CONCACAF Gold Cup, the region’s biggest tournament is set to take place with the United States and Mexico still the favorites. After a strong showing in the Confederations Cup last month, the United States will have lots of confidence as they look to repeat as Champions. Mexico, on the other hand, has struggled in World Cup Qualifying, and is looking to find its form. Here’s a full preview of all the Groups as well as predictions down to the final.
Group A – (Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Jamaica) - Costa Rica are the clear favorites but the 2nd place team is very much up for grabs. Canada and El Salvador should battle for 2nd place and Jamaica will not have the depth or team to advance out of the group stage. El Salvador could challenge Costa Rica but its unlikely they will finish any higher than 2nd. Prediction – Costa Rica wins group, El Salvador 2nd, Canada 3rd, Jamaica 4th
Group B – (Grenada, Haiti, Honduras, United States) – The United States should have little trouble winning the group and will be playing all the matches at home. Grenada and Haiti are small countries that will not trouble the USA or even Honduras. Honduras and the United States should easily advance while the other 2 teams will struggle to score goals or get any points. Prediction – United States wins group, Honduras 2nd, Haiti 3rd, Grenada 4th
Group C – (Guadelope, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama) – A pretty weak group that Mexico should have no trouble walking through for a trip in the quarterfinals. Panama and Guadelope should fight for 2nd place while Nicaragua is likely to finish last. Mexico should go undefeated while the winner of Panama v Guadelope will deterine 2nd. Nicaragua will be lucky to get any points. Prediction – Mexico wins group, Panama 2nd, Guadelope 3rd, Nicaragua 4th
Championship Match – The United States will once again face Mexico in the Gold Cup Final. It will be a similar game to the one in 2007 but the USA will have the advantage as they are in great form. Mexico will likely have a home crowd advantage over the United States but it won’t make a big difference. Prediction – United States wins 2-1
Globalpost
NewsNow
Canada wins group A with 7 points. Two wins and a draw. Canada beat El Salvador and Jamaica 1-0 each and tied Costa Rica 2-2. Nice Predictions. No credit to Canada whatsoever.