The quarterfinals of the CONCACAF 2009 Gold Cup are set to take place on Saturday and Sunday with many of the same teams from the 2007 tournament. Many of the favorites are still alive and here’s a preview of the matches this weekend. Video highlights of all the 2009 Gold Cup Matches can be found here.
United States v Panama – Saturday – Philadelphia – The United States takes on Panama as they are undefeated in the last 2 Gold Cup tournaments. Panama advanced from Group C by placing 3rd and will have a tough task to defeat the favorites. The USA is using a backup squad of MLS players and could be susceptible but it seems unlikely. Bob Bradley has found a mix of veterans (Brian Ching) and young stars (Stuart Holden) that can more than handle Panama. Prediction – United States wins 3-1
Canada v Honduras – Saturday – Philadelphia – It should be a very intriguing matchup between two even teams. Canada has played well in the Gold Cup Honduras was 2nd in Group B just behind the United States. Honduras will have strong crowd support while Canada has not lost a game yet. Ali Gerba has been the main scoring threat for the Canadians while Honduras has had Carlos Costly lead the way with a couple of goals. Canada has been more successful in the Gold Cup than other CONCACAF events and should get the victory in a close match. Prediction – Canada wins 1-0
Guadeloupe v Costa Rica – Sunday – Arlington – Costa Rica finished 2nd in Group A while Guadeloupe was 2nd in Group C as both teams play each other Sunday in Texas. On paper, Costa Rica seems the clear favorite but Guadeloupe has been solid all tournament. Guadeloupe could make it close and even have a first half lead but Costa Rica has too much quality to not make it to the semifinals. Prediction – Costa Rica wins 2-1
Mexico v Haiti – Sunday – Arlington – Mexico has not looked great in recent months but only conceded 1 goal in winning Group C to advance to the quarters. Haiti was the 3rd place finisher in Group B and played the USA to a draw to earn their quarterfinal berth. Mexico are the huge favorites and it will take a lot from Haiti to stay in the match. Anything could happen and Mexico could easily underperform again but it they still have enough to recover from a bad start. Prediction – Mexico wins 2-0
Mexico v Haiti – Sunday – Arlington –
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Nice article, I also predicted the same teams to go through to the semifinals.
Still, I am looking for an upset or two in the quarterfinals as I believe two matches are quite even,
US-Panama
Guadeloupe-Costa Rica
http://tinyurl.com/msd9s5
But you are right, Mexico and USA looking good bets to meet again in the final.
MEXICO WINS 5-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!