Gold Cup Review: Group stage result/scenarios. Group A is all wrapped up; groups B and C will be played out in the next two days. Here’s a look at what went down in group A, and what can happen in groups B and C.
Group A Results:
? Costa Rica, Canada and Honduras all advance to the knockout stage of the #GoldCup2017 pic.twitter.com/NuWrg3oz1Y
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 15, 2017
Costa Rica beat French Guiana last night. The Victory was enough to help them clinch the top spot of their group. Two wins and a Draw helped them get the top spot. They’re now on to the quarterfinals where they will meet the runner-up of Group B in Philadelphia this coming Wednesday. They have made themselves look like real contenders.
Canada are runners-up in the group after a 0-0 draw with Honduras last night. Canada stalled after a hot start to the Gold Cup. They’re on to the knock out rounds after a win and two draws. Canada will meet the runners-up of Group C. Canada will take them on Wednesday in Glendale Arizona.
Honduras finishes third in the group. They missed an opportunity to claim second outright last night by drawing Canada. They now have to wait to see if they will be one of the third place teams to take on either the winners of group A or C. With four points and a plus two goal difference, they are ahead of Martinique by one goal and El Salvador by two goals. If either of those teams gan score more, they could jump Honduras.
French Guiana ended their tournament by losing their third straight game. Their tournament was filled with controversy over a player who was not cleared to play for them. Sanctions were dropped on them for doing so yesterday morning. A horrendous tournament is over for them.
Group B Scenarios:
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  United States (H) |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 4 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 2 |  Panama |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 | |
| 3 |  Martinique |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 3 | Possible knockout stage |
| 4 |  Nicaragua |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 0 |
USA vs Nicaragua:
USA play Nicaragua who are all but out of the tournament. Nicaragua has one goal from two matches. If USA wants to win their group they will need a dominant performance in this match. After a less than inspiring win agaisnt Martinique USA will need a big win to secure the group. Nicaragua will look to put a stop to the US’s momentum, but that could be hard. US will know what an opportunity this is. The chance to distance themselves from Panama and to avoid Costa Rica in the quarterfinals is at stake. US’s attack should be able to shred through Nicaragua. If the USMNT defense can stand up to the test this match should be a breeze.
Projected USMNT lineup:
Hamid; Villafana, Miazga, Gonzalez, Lichaj; Rowe, Acosta, McCarty, Bedoya; Agudelo, Dwyer.
Panama vs Martinique:
This game could shape where the top three will stand once the dust settles. Panama will need the win to try to best USA for the top of the group, while Martinique could slide into second with a win. Panama has been good and organized throughout the tournament. Martinique has been a surprising side whose attack has been lethal. This one is a toss-up. Panama are the better side on paper, but Martinique have been playing with nothing to lose. This one should be fun to watch!
Projected final Group B standings:
1.) USA 7 PTS +3 GD
2.)Panama 5 PTS +2 GD
3.) Martinique 4 PTS +2 GD
4.) Nicaragua 0 PTS -5 GD
Group C Scenarios:
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Mexico |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 4 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 2 |  Jamaica |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 4 | |
| 3 |  El Salvador |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Possible knockout stage |
| 4 |  Curaçao |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | −4 | 0 |
Jamaica vs El Salvador:
Jamaica has had a very good Gold Cup so far. Their structure has been great. Winning agaisnt a weaker Curacao side, and drawing Mexico while stifling their very good attack. Jamaica look to finish off their group stage in style agaisnt El Salvador. El Salvador comes into this match with their tournament hopes riding on a win. Anything less and they will be automatically out of the tournament. This match should be one where Jamaica keeps their structured defense and springs the counter attack to create chances. If Jamaica can capitalize on their style of play, they will win and kill El Salvador’s chances.
Mexico vs Curacao:
Mexico get bottom dwellers Curacao to finish out the group stage. With Curacao already eliminated, Mexico may make a lot of changes to their starting 11. Even after a bad result agaisnt Jamaica, changes will come in and beat Curacao. Mexico should win by three; if Curacao truly pack it in Mexico’s goal difference could more positive.
Projected final Group C standings:
1.) Mexico 7 PTS +5 GD
2.)Jamaica 7 PTS +3 GD
3.) El Salvador 3 PTS -1 GD
4.) Curacao 0 PTS -7 GD
Projected Quarterfinals:
Costa Rica vs Panama
USA vs Honduras
Mexico vs Martinique
Canada vs Jamaica
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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. Until then, Peace out!
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
