The CONCACAF Gold Cup heads into the knockout phase this weekend and the favourites are all in the mix.
Having drawn their opening game with Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico recovered to overcome Guatemala and then beat El Salvador 1-0 to top Group A, but El Tri still need to up their game to justify their position as favourites according to the pre-tournament CONCACAF 2021 betting odds. In the group decider against El Salvador, Mexico dominated the first half but went on the back foot in the second and did little to worry the other title hopefuls. The only goal of the game had a touch of fortune in it when Luis Rodriguez’ shot took a deflection before beating El Salvador keeper Mario Gonzalez, and when El Salvador roared back in the second half El Tri had little in reply.
So the favourites have work to do and, here at SBOTOP, we’ll be reporting on the quarter finals and bringing you all the very latest CONCACAF 2021 updates in the coming weeks. But, in the meantime, let’s take a look at the stars who shone in the final round of the group stage.
Team of the week: Costa Rica
Costa Rica beat Jamaica 1-0 to top Group C in the surprise result of the round. The Reggae Boyz dominated much of the game and, by half time, they were wondering how they were not ahead, having recorded eight shots to Costa Rica’s one. Watford striker Andre Gray missed a host of chances and it’s no surprise that the Hornets are looking to strengthen on their return to the Premier League. Over 10,000 fans at the Exporia Stadium watched the forward shoot weekly at Costa Rica goalkeeper Leonel Moreira and then test the stopper with a better effort just before the break.
Gray had a golden opportunity to put Jamaica ahead early in the second half when he was clean through on goal, but he beat Moreira only to see his shot canon off the upright and away to safety. He rued that miss, just a minute later when Costa Rica legend Bryan Ruiz headed home on 53 minutes and the Ticos battled bravely to hang on to the three points.
Player of the Week: Shaq Moore
USA beat Canada 1-0 to top Group B of the CONCACAF Gold Cup and it took the Stars and Stripes just 20 seconds to score the only goal of the game. With two wins already in the bag, both teams were already confirmed as quarter-finalists but USA ended Canada’s record breaking eight match winning streak when Sebastian Lletget’s cross reached Shaq Moore at the back post and the 24 year old right back fired home.
It was the USA’s fastest competitive goal since records began, beating Clint Dempsey’s 30 second strike against Ghana in the 2014 World Cup. Only good saves from Canada keeper Matt Turner kept the defeat to 1-0 as he denied the in-form Cyle Larin with good saves, while goal hero Moore was rested when he was replaced by the returning Reggie Cannon on the hour.
Goal of the Week
Qatar beat Honduras 2-0 to top Group D and that was a serious blow to los Catacharos who were looking for a 100 per cent group campaign. Qatar remains unbeaten after coming out on top of this decider with a convincing display, and the opening goal was a beauty. Qatar broke quickly, and when Hassan Al Haydos laid the ball off to wing back Homam Ahmed he hammered his shot from a tight angle into the roof of the net, giving Honduras keeper Luis Lopez no time to react. Qatar could have doubled their lead when they were awarded a first half penalty but Akram Afif’s spot kick was well saved by Lopez.
But as los Catacharos threw all their men forward in search of a late equaliser, Qatar had a three to one break and Abdelaziz Hatem sealed the deal. Honduras won their first two games in some style but they were undone by a well drilled Qatar side who bagged their ninth goal of the tournament and deservedly won the group.
So the quarter final line-up is finalised and there are no surprise omissions as the likely candidates line up for the business end of the competition. Qatar takes on El Salvador while Mexico meet Honduras on Saturday; and then it’s Costa Rica against Canada and USA meet the Reggae Boyz.
Take your pick but I’d say nobody can safely say they’re on the way to the semis.
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