The Gold Cup is in full swing, and is the midst of the second games of the group stage. Here’s a look at how all the teams are doing. Gold Cup Review: Canada draw Costa Rica, USA needs a W to top the group, & Mexico take on Jamaica.
Group A:
| Position | Team | Played | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Canada |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 4 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 2 |  Costa Rica |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 4 | |
| 3 |  Honduras |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | 1 | Possible knockout stage |
| 4 |  French Guiana |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | −2 | 1 |
Group A has played two out of the three group matches.
First Place:
Canada has been one of the surprises of the tournament so far. They beat French Guiana, and drew Costa Rica. They have a superstar in the making in Alphonso Davies. The 16-year-old is the leading scorer in the tournament with three goals in two matches. This team looks for real, but doing well in the knock out rounds would prove that.
Second Place:
Costa Rica have looked decent too, they were probably the front-runners for winning the group before the tournament started. They still have a good chance at winning the group as they play French Guiana in their final game.
Third Place:
Honduras were one of that could have taken charge of this group. A loss to Costa Rica and a scoreless tie vs French Guiana have put a damper on things. Beating leaders Canada could solidify a spot in the knock out rounds.
Fourth Place:
French Guiana have played two games and couldn’t take advantage of their early oppertunities. They aren’t dead yet. A win vs Costa Rica could see them through to the knock out rounds.
Group B:
| Position | Team | Played | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Martinique |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 2 |  United States (H) |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2 |  Panama |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Possible knockout stage |
| 4 |  Nicaragua |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | 0 |
Group B plays their second games of the group stage tonight.
Panama vs Nicaragua preview:
Panama and Nicaragua play each other in a match that could help both countries immensely in the group. A win for either Panama or Nicaragua will put them ahead of USA and the surprising leaders Martinique. Panama was very structured vs USA stopping chances and doing just enough to get a point. A win agaisnt a weaker side in Nicaragua side would help their hopes. Nicaragua has the same hopes. A win agaisnt Panama would pull them level with Martinique. Depending on the USA-Martinique result Panama or Nicaragua could gain some serious ground.
USA vs Martinique preview:
USA had a lackluster performance vs Panama. Now they face cinderella’s Martinique. Martinique lead the group with three points. Hot off their win over Nicaragua, they look to make a monumental statement by beating USA. USMNT need to foil those plans if they want to get to the top of this group. This match could determine the winner of the group. USA need to rebound after a poor showing and take it to a country they should beat. Bruce Arena said that every player on the roster will feature in this tournament. So now may be the time for a shuffle. The back line, and wing specifically may see some drastic changes. Whoever comes in they will need to assert themselves over a Martinique side who won’t come quietly.
projected USMNT lineup:
(4-4-2) Guzan; Villafana, Besler, Hedges, Lichaj; Rowe, McCarty, Acosta, Bedoya; Moris, Dwyer.
Group C:
| Position | Team | Played | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Mexico |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 3 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 2 |  Jamaica |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 | |
| 3 |  El Salvador |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 0 | Possible knockout stage |
| 4 |  Curaçao |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | 0 |
El Salvador vs Curacao preview:
El Salvador and Curacao are in the basement of their group. Both teams coming off tough losses will make this game a must win for both. Of the two, El Salvador have the better pedigree. They tied Mexico minutes after going down to them, but couldn’t stop them later. They couldn’t do enough to beat Mexico. This match is winnable for them, and it’s likely their best chance to get three points from a match. This is also true for Curacao. This match is their best hope of getting points from the tournament. After a disappointing loss to Jamaica, and Mexico looming as their third opponent, they need points from this match. They looked dangerous agaisnt Jamaica, but couldn’t beat Andre Blake. A must win for both countries helps make this matchup appealing!
Jamaica vs Mexico Preview:
Jamaica had a great showing agaisnt Curacao. Now their sights turn to the mighty Mexico. They showed real fight scoring two agaisnt Curacao, and Andre Blake shinned on the international stage. In recent years Blake has been a standout for the Philadelphia Union now he’s shining for Jamaica. He made some amazing saves to keep Jamaica ahead. The Captain of Jamaica is ready to take on the big test Mexico. Mexico beat Jamaica in the 2015 Gold Cup final. They’ll look to beat them again. The Mexican side is one of the favorites to win the tournament, beating Jamaica will put them automatically through to knock out round. Will it be business as usual for Mexico? Or will Jamaica play the spoiler?
Upcoming matches:
Be Sure to catch Panama vs Nicaragua tonight at 7pm on FS1, and USA vs Martinique at 9pm on FS1. Tomorrow, don’t miss El Salvador vs Curacao at 8pm at FS1, and Mexico vs Jamaica at 10:30pm on FS1.
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Follow me on twitter @TGing21 for Soccer Twitter fun! Coming soon: A look at all the MLS teams at the halfway point. A review of the last three weeks of MLS action, a look back at the Union’s draw vs SKC, an a look at who could feature for the Union in their friendly vs Swansea. Until then, peace out!
Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via USA TODAY Sports
