The second set of matches at the CONCACAF Gold Cup is approaching.
A chance for redemption for some, a chance to continue a winning run for others.
So far, we’ve seen a few surprises.
Certainly, holders Mexico – favourites for the tournament with the SBOTOP CONCACAF Gold Cup betting odds – could not break down Trinidad and Tobago to much surprise and their own frustration in their opening encounter.
Mexico and the United States have dominated this competition since it began in 1991 with the North Americans capturing eight titles and the US claiming six successes.
The US didn’t exactly make a blistering start to the tournament either, although Sam Vines’ early goal was enough to see off Haiti.
Don’t let early struggles though make you believe that there will be a new name on the trophy this summer for I fully expect the usual suspects to rise to the top in 2021 and that will show itself on matchday two.
Trinidad and Tobago vs El Salvador
Trinidad will be full of confidence after their draw with Mexico and now meet El Salvador, fresh from a 2-0 success over Guatemala where they needed late goals from debutant Alex Roldan and substitute Joaquin Rivas to see off spirited opponents.
Unbeaten in their last seven matches, they have fared well against El Salvador in recent history.
Guatemala vs Mexico
No wonder Guatemala are heavy underdogs. They were initially eliminated in the Gold Cup preliminary round, falling to Guadeloupe in a penalty shootout last week, before being reinstated after Curacao was forced to exit the competition due to a high number of Covid cases.
After an opening 2-0 loss to El Salvador, they are looking for their first win over Mexico in an official competition since the 1969 CONCACAF Championship. El Tri lead the all-time series with a 22-6-13 record and haven’t lost to Guatemala in a match of any kind since a 3-2 friendly defeat in 2007.
Haiti vs Canada
Canada are hoping to exercise their 2019 Gold Cup demons when they face Haiti at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.
The last time they faced Les Grenadiers was in this competition two years ago when they squandered a 2-0 lead in that quarter-final to lose 3-2 to the Haitians for only the second time in their history.
Canada have since defeated them twice in World Cup qualifying encounters.
Martinique vs USA
The biggest mismatch in the competition?
An Island nation against the might of the United States.
Daniel Hérelle is the most-capped player in Martinique’s history and the heart and soul of the team but it will take far more to upset the Stars and Stripes.
The United States tend to get better as these tournaments go on and should be sharper than they were in their opener.
Guadeloupe vs Jamaica
While Jamaica were seeing off Suriname, 10-man Guadeloupe were conceding three to Costa Rica.
That means Steve Loic Solvet will be suspended for this one. This Caribbean clash should be lively but the overall SBOTOP tournament odds which price Jamaica @ 13.00 and their opponents @ 501.00 tells its own story.
Suriname vs Costa Rica
A victory for Costa Rica would move them closer to the knockout stages and seal a second successive defeat for minnows Suriname.
Grenada vs Qatar
In what is the country’s third Gold Cup appearance, the Spice Boys qualified for the tournament by dominating their group in the recently completed Nations League.
The roster features a few interesting call-ups from English clubs, representing notable clubs such as Premier League new boys Brentford, Leyton Orient, and Shrewsbury Town.
It will be interesting to see how they fare against the hosts of next year’s World Cup, the lone invited team in this year’s tournament.
Panama vs Honduras
Panama is attempting to rebuild after the departure of many of its best teams for a generation which resulted in its first-ever World Cup appearance in 2018, the culmination of 15 years of growth.
Results then, though, showed the gap and why the country is not expected to progress far this summer, especially with a squad considered weaker than in Russia three years ago.
Led by manager Thomas Christiansen, Los Canaleros’ roster features a strong midfield and defence.
Los Catrachos secured a third-place finish in the Nations League Finals, featuring eye-opening performances against the United States and Costa Rica so this contest could produce CONCACAF Gold Cup highlights.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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