The United States Men's National Team completed its World Cup Qualification season by scoring two stoppage-time goals and defeating Panama, knocking the hosts out of contention. In so doing, the USMNT finished the Hex with a record-tying 22 points.
Watch highlights of the US win over Panama here.
With eight months remaining before the World Cup kicks off in June, 2014, the U.S. is planning a series of friendlies to work on team chemistry and identify the best lineup and substitute options for Brazil. Going into these next eight months, here is my predicted roster of 23 players for World Cup 2014 with starters in bold:
GK: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando
These three look locked in, barring injury. The U.S. is very fortunate to not only have a solid starter in Howard, but two very capable backups.
Defenders: Steve Cherundolo, Clarence Goodson, Matt Besler, Fabian Johnson, Omar Gonzalez, Brad Evans, Geoff Cameron, DaMarcus Beasley
The weakest link on this team continues to be the outside backs, but Steve Cherundolo's recent return from injuries offers promise to upgrade the right side. Johnson has looked good both in the midfield and on the outside, but midfield depth is strong so look for him to remain in the back and help push forward the attack in Brazil.
Midfielders: Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Graham Zusi, Mix Diskerud, Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Brad Davis
A strong and deep midfield looks better and better. Brad Davis' stellar showing against Panama, assisting on two goals and providing great service on set pieces, puts him in my roster of 23 for the first time.
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson, Aron Johannsson
The U.S. is in great shape with these four front men. Johannsson has been impressive and could be a great threat off the bench in Brazil.
The USMNT has two upcoming friendlies to finish off 2014: November 15 in Scotland and November 19 in Austria.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
#USMNT Clinches World Cup Berth!
In front of a record crowd in Columbus, Ohio, the USMNT defeated Mexico, 2-0, to clinch a berth in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Second half goals from Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan gave the U.S. its fourth consecutive "Dos A Cero" win over its arch rival in Columbus.
Group shot before kickoff
Watch highlights of the match, courtesy of U.S. Soccer, here.
The win was the seventh in ten matches for the Stars and Stripes in Columbus (the other three resulted in draws). Columbus has become one of the true homes of U.S. Soccer, and the atmosphere in Columbus Crew Stadium was electric more than an hour before kickoff. The crowd of 24,500+ was in full throat for most of the match, and many serenaded the team nearly an hour after the final whistle, when the draw between Honduras and Panama officially clinched the World Cup berth for the USMNT.
I was fortunate enough to be there last night, along with some great friends from the Cleveland Chapter of the American Outlaws. No doubt the greatest experience I have ever had at a sporting event. See below for a few of my favorite photos:
Met Kasey Keller and
Brian McBride before the match!
Group shot before kickoff
Celebrating the USA's first goal
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
#USMNT Can Clinch World Cup Berth Tonight With Win Over Mexico
One of the biggest matches in recent U.S. Soccer history happens tonight about two and a half hours from my house, as the U.S. Men take on Mexico in Columbus, Ohio. I am incredibly excited to be going to the match, along with a few dozen fellow members of the Cleveland Chapter of the American Outlaws.
A U.S. win, coupled with a Honduras win or draw against Panama, will clinch a spot in next year's World Cup for the Americans, despite there being two additional qualifying matches on the Hex schedule. Clinching tonight would give Jurgen Klinsmann and the coaching staff some time to evaluate younger players and maybe experiment with some different lineups and formations.
Here are my three big questions for tonight's match:
A U.S. win, coupled with a Honduras win or draw against Panama, will clinch a spot in next year's World Cup for the Americans, despite there being two additional qualifying matches on the Hex schedule. Clinching tonight would give Jurgen Klinsmann and the coaching staff some time to evaluate younger players and maybe experiment with some different lineups and formations.
Here are my three big questions for tonight's match:
- Can the USMNT continue its dominance of Mexico in Columbus? The U.S. has won six and drawn three in its nine-match history of playing at Columbus Crew Stadium, with three of those six wins coming against Mexico (all by a 2-0 scoreline, which is why you will often here American soccer fans refer to "Dos A Cero"). Columbus is a great home for the Stars and Stripes.
- How will the absence of many American regulars affect the match? Jozy Altidore, Matt Besler, and Geoff Cameron will all miss tonight's match due to yellow card infractions. However, the biggest absence for tonight will likely be Michael Bradley, whose ankle injury in pre-match warmups on Friday was a big factor in the U.S. giving up two early goals to Costa Rica. Bradley is the heart and soul of this team - it's true most valuable player - and players like Jermaine Jones and Kyle Beckerman will need to step up in the defensive midfield.
- How will Mexico respond to its recent coaching change? Luis Fernando Tena, the head coach of Mexico's gold-winning Olympic team last year, was named interim coach after Jose Manuel de la Torre was fired following Friday's loss to Honduras. Tena did not have much time to change personnel or much else, but the mental aspect of this change could inspire Mexico to play well. Mexico is desperate - a loss here and they will likely have to win its two remaining matches to have a chance at qualifying for next year's World Cup.
So what do I think will happen? My heart says the U.S. will win by a 2-1 score. My head says Mexico will play with the desperation they need and earn a 1-1 draw. Either way, this match will feature the same things it always does: physicality, controversy, and tension. When it's all said and done, I hope I am celebrating a World Cup berth for the United States!
Saturday, August 17, 2013
English Premier League Predictions
As the 2013-14 English Premier League gets set to kickoff in a few minutes, I thought I would compile a quick list of predictions for the season. Here goes...
20. Crystal Palace - Most agree Palace are over their heads in the EPL, so don't look for much chance at avoiding relegation.
19. Norwich City - The Canaries spent heavily in the offseason, especially on Dutch forward Ricky van Wolfswinkel, but I don't see enough to avoid relegation in its third season back in the top league.
18. Hull City - Biggest additions were a couple Tottenham bench players, which aren't going to be enough to keep Hull up in its return.
17. Cardiff City - smart spending for the promoted side should be able to keep Cardiff up.
16. Newcastle United - I came close to moving them into a relegated position, as I just don't see much chance of Newcastle having a good season. A managerial change during the season is inevitable for Alan Pardew.
15. Stoke City - An influx of American talent will make this one of the more popular teams in the US, but Stoke looks like it will once again play a conservative style that won't be very fun to watch.
14. Sunderland - Jozy Altidore joins Sunderland in top form and could spark manager Pablo Di Canio's offense.
13. Aston Villa - Coming off a very disappointing season, the once-mighty Villains will once again rely on young phenom Christian Benteke up front to avoid relegation.
12. West Brom - One of last season's early surprise squads, West Brom lost top goal scorer Romelu Lukaku and struggled at the end of last year.
11. West Ham - Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan lead a solid squad that could finish anywhere from sixth to sixteenth, depending on health and luck.
10. Fulham - A week ago, I was talking about Fulham as a candidate for relegation, but some outstanding transfers make its outlook much more positive. Darren Bent's addition at forward could be a steal.
9. Swansea - Wilfried Bony joins a talented Swansea side that features one of the attackers in the EPL in Michu.
8. Southampton - Rickie Lambert is one of the best young forwards in the world, and he leads a Saints club that should shine this season after a solid summer transfer season.
7. Everton - Roberto Martinez begins his first season as Blues manager with a solid squad that will once again rely on excellent play from left back Leighton Baines, but lack of quality forwards continues to be a big problem.
6. Liverpool - Luis Suarez will sit out the first six matches of the season, which will likely cost Liverpool a strong start, but they will be better than last season because of continued growth from young phenoms Philipp Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge.
5. Tottenham Hotspurs - The Spurs are likely to lose Gareth Bale and gave up on Clint Dempsey after one year, but they added Roberto Soldado and Paulinho among a host of transfers, spending most of the money they are about to get whenever the Bale saga ends. Spurs will once again threaten to make the top four until the very end.
4. Arsenal - A surprisingly quiet transfer season, despite a lot of rumors, has the Gunner faithful wondering what this season will bring, but Jack Wilshere should lead this team to another Champions League berth. Arsene Wenger will once again make the moves necessary to be in the top four in the January transfer window, if necessary.
3. Manchester United - David Moyes takes over as manager, but everyone is talking about what is going to happen with unhappy Wayne Rooney. Man U needs Rooney to contend with the top teams, but Robin van Persie will have a 20+ goal scoring season no matter what.
2. Manchester City - Manuel Pellegrini joins as manager, and he takes over maybe the most talented squad on paper in the EPL. They've lost enigmatic Carlos Tevez, but added Alvaro Negredo and Fernandinho, two of the best signings this summer in the league. Sergio Aguero will be one to watch this season, as he could have a big year or be relegated to the bench because of all the talent on this squad.
1. Chelsea - Jose Mourinho returns to lead a talented squad that should be able to get back to the top. Look for Eden Hazard and Juan Mata to benefit most from a more widespread attack.
Player of the Year
5. Jozy Altidore - maybe a little homerism here, but Altidore is in great form and will need to have a productive first year for Sunderland to avoid relegation
4. Jack Wilshere - Arsenal needs a big year from JW to hold on to its perennial Champions League berth
3. Leighton Baines - the best left back in the world once again returns to Everton despite rumors of joining Moyes at Manchester United...after another stellar season, a bigger offer from the Red Devils will likely mean a transfer
2. Robin van Persie - will once again lead the league in goals
1. Eden Hazard - Mourinho will help make a great player even greater
20. Crystal Palace - Most agree Palace are over their heads in the EPL, so don't look for much chance at avoiding relegation.
19. Norwich City - The Canaries spent heavily in the offseason, especially on Dutch forward Ricky van Wolfswinkel, but I don't see enough to avoid relegation in its third season back in the top league.
18. Hull City - Biggest additions were a couple Tottenham bench players, which aren't going to be enough to keep Hull up in its return.
17. Cardiff City - smart spending for the promoted side should be able to keep Cardiff up.
16. Newcastle United - I came close to moving them into a relegated position, as I just don't see much chance of Newcastle having a good season. A managerial change during the season is inevitable for Alan Pardew.
15. Stoke City - An influx of American talent will make this one of the more popular teams in the US, but Stoke looks like it will once again play a conservative style that won't be very fun to watch.
14. Sunderland - Jozy Altidore joins Sunderland in top form and could spark manager Pablo Di Canio's offense.
13. Aston Villa - Coming off a very disappointing season, the once-mighty Villains will once again rely on young phenom Christian Benteke up front to avoid relegation.
12. West Brom - One of last season's early surprise squads, West Brom lost top goal scorer Romelu Lukaku and struggled at the end of last year.
11. West Ham - Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan lead a solid squad that could finish anywhere from sixth to sixteenth, depending on health and luck.
10. Fulham - A week ago, I was talking about Fulham as a candidate for relegation, but some outstanding transfers make its outlook much more positive. Darren Bent's addition at forward could be a steal.
9. Swansea - Wilfried Bony joins a talented Swansea side that features one of the attackers in the EPL in Michu.
8. Southampton - Rickie Lambert is one of the best young forwards in the world, and he leads a Saints club that should shine this season after a solid summer transfer season.
7. Everton - Roberto Martinez begins his first season as Blues manager with a solid squad that will once again rely on excellent play from left back Leighton Baines, but lack of quality forwards continues to be a big problem.
6. Liverpool - Luis Suarez will sit out the first six matches of the season, which will likely cost Liverpool a strong start, but they will be better than last season because of continued growth from young phenoms Philipp Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge.
5. Tottenham Hotspurs - The Spurs are likely to lose Gareth Bale and gave up on Clint Dempsey after one year, but they added Roberto Soldado and Paulinho among a host of transfers, spending most of the money they are about to get whenever the Bale saga ends. Spurs will once again threaten to make the top four until the very end.
4. Arsenal - A surprisingly quiet transfer season, despite a lot of rumors, has the Gunner faithful wondering what this season will bring, but Jack Wilshere should lead this team to another Champions League berth. Arsene Wenger will once again make the moves necessary to be in the top four in the January transfer window, if necessary.
3. Manchester United - David Moyes takes over as manager, but everyone is talking about what is going to happen with unhappy Wayne Rooney. Man U needs Rooney to contend with the top teams, but Robin van Persie will have a 20+ goal scoring season no matter what.
2. Manchester City - Manuel Pellegrini joins as manager, and he takes over maybe the most talented squad on paper in the EPL. They've lost enigmatic Carlos Tevez, but added Alvaro Negredo and Fernandinho, two of the best signings this summer in the league. Sergio Aguero will be one to watch this season, as he could have a big year or be relegated to the bench because of all the talent on this squad.
1. Chelsea - Jose Mourinho returns to lead a talented squad that should be able to get back to the top. Look for Eden Hazard and Juan Mata to benefit most from a more widespread attack.
Player of the Year
5. Jozy Altidore - maybe a little homerism here, but Altidore is in great form and will need to have a productive first year for Sunderland to avoid relegation
4. Jack Wilshere - Arsenal needs a big year from JW to hold on to its perennial Champions League berth
3. Leighton Baines - the best left back in the world once again returns to Everton despite rumors of joining Moyes at Manchester United...after another stellar season, a bigger offer from the Red Devils will likely mean a transfer
2. Robin van Persie - will once again lead the league in goals
1. Eden Hazard - Mourinho will help make a great player even greater
Thursday, August 15, 2013
USMNT Wins Comeback Thriller Over Bosnia and Herzegovina
The United States Men's National Team won it's 12th consecutive match last night, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina by a 4-3 count. Jozy Altidore's second-half hat trick led the way, with Michael Bradley and Tim Howard providing strong leadership and quality play to defeat the world's 13th ranked squad.
The 12-match win streak is the longest in American soccer history and is the longest current win streak in world soccer. Bosnia and Herzegovina is undefeated in World Cup Qualifying and was playing at home, so this was a difficult task.
Watch highlights of last night's match here, courtesy of US Soccer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATJxoShmW64&feature=c4-overview&list=UUk1pcWQ5E19g0Cgp4c1eI1w.
The USA, ranked 19th in the world in the latest FIFA rankings, was in dire straits at the half, trailing 2-0. After watching a mostly listless attack from his side, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann made a tactical adjustment, coming out of the locker room with a 4-4-2 by moving Eddie Johnson alongside Altidore up top. He also moved Fabian Johnson to a more attacking midfield spot.
The moves paid off in the second half, as Altidore assisted Eddie Johnson on the first goal and Fabian Johnson provided Altidore with quality service for the tally to tie the score up at 2. Altidore then scored on a beautiful free kick to give the US the lead, and Bradley found Altidore on a world class pass for the fourth and final goal. Bosnia scored early in stoppage time, but it wasn't enough.
This match also provided the American debuts of center back John Anthony Brooks and forward Aron Johannsson. Brooks started and looked solid in the back, while Johannsson came on a sub and threatened to score a couple times late. Both look to be important future pieces for the USMNT.
The Stars and Stripes now get a few weeks off before a very important month of September, with World Cup Qualifiers at Costa Rica (September 6) and home vs Mexico in Columbus (September 10). If the US is able to win both matches, they will be assured a spot in next year's World Cup in Brazil. A win and a draw would likely keep the US atop the Hex with a clear path to Brazil, as well.
The 12-match win streak is the longest in American soccer history and is the longest current win streak in world soccer. Bosnia and Herzegovina is undefeated in World Cup Qualifying and was playing at home, so this was a difficult task.
Watch highlights of last night's match here, courtesy of US Soccer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATJxoShmW64&feature=c4-overview&list=UUk1pcWQ5E19g0Cgp4c1eI1w.
The USA, ranked 19th in the world in the latest FIFA rankings, was in dire straits at the half, trailing 2-0. After watching a mostly listless attack from his side, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann made a tactical adjustment, coming out of the locker room with a 4-4-2 by moving Eddie Johnson alongside Altidore up top. He also moved Fabian Johnson to a more attacking midfield spot.
The moves paid off in the second half, as Altidore assisted Eddie Johnson on the first goal and Fabian Johnson provided Altidore with quality service for the tally to tie the score up at 2. Altidore then scored on a beautiful free kick to give the US the lead, and Bradley found Altidore on a world class pass for the fourth and final goal. Bosnia scored early in stoppage time, but it wasn't enough.
This match also provided the American debuts of center back John Anthony Brooks and forward Aron Johannsson. Brooks started and looked solid in the back, while Johannsson came on a sub and threatened to score a couple times late. Both look to be important future pieces for the USMNT.
The Stars and Stripes now get a few weeks off before a very important month of September, with World Cup Qualifiers at Costa Rica (September 6) and home vs Mexico in Columbus (September 10). If the US is able to win both matches, they will be assured a spot in next year's World Cup in Brazil. A win and a draw would likely keep the US atop the Hex with a clear path to Brazil, as well.
Monday, July 29, 2013
USMNT Wins Its Fifth Gold Cup!
The United States Men's National Team won its fifth Gold Cup on Sunday - its first since 2007 - by defeating Panama by a 1-0 score. Brek Shea tapped home the game-winning goal after Landon Donovan whiffed on a nice cross from Alejandro Bedoya, and despite missing on a couple of golden opportunities to put the match away, the Americans held on to finish a dominating performance in CONCACAF's bi-annual tournament.
Watch highlights of the match at: http://youtu.be/8r3z1app7yM
My three biggest takeaways from the Gold Cup for the USMNT:
1. Landon Donovan will play a significant role on this team over the next 12 months
Donovan went from an unsure participant in this tournament to its Most Valuable Player, scoring five goals and adding eight assists. He also seemed to embrace a leadership role with the younger guys on the team. By the final weekend, LD and Jurgen Klinsmann seemed to be getting along harmoniously. We will likely see Donovan starting in the USMNT's World Cup Qualifiers in September.
2. Depth is at an all-time high
Making up a starting lineup for next year's World Cup, or even the September matches, is virtually impossible right now. Not because of a lack of quality players, but because there are so many options at Klinsmann's disposal. We saw some of those options step up this past month in the Gold Cup. Do you start Dempsey up front with Altidore, or deploy him behind and allow a guy like Herculez Gomes or Eddie Johnson (who scored in the quarterfinal and semifinal, and should have put away a goal in the final) to partner with Jozy? Do Donovan and Zusi have the outside midfield positions locked up, or does someone like Bedoya or Joe Corona (both of whom played well in the Gold Cup) have a shot? Does Kyle Beckerman, who played exceptionally well in the knockout portion of the Gold Cup, get a crack at the defensive midfielder spot Jermaine Jones has owned in recent months? Will Shea make the roster in a "super sub" role after scoring the winning goals against Costa Rica and Panama coming off the bench?
3. It is fun cheering on this team
When a team runs off 11 wins in a row - and in the process win a trophy - it is bound to make its fans happy. But there is something about this team that is entertaining, and it isn't just the wins. They seem to have a great chemistry, led by Klinsmann's positive reinforcement and bonding techniques. They have played with much less of a "bunker down" approach when they have gone up against the likes of Germany, Belgium, and Italy since Klinsmann took over. There is no doubt that the opposition will get tougher in the coming weeks...an August qualifier against 14th in the world Bosnia-Herzegovina will be a stern test, followed by WCQ matches at Costa Rica and home vs Mexico. But there is no doubt this team is playing with a significant amount of confidence.
Watch highlights of the match at: http://youtu.be/8r3z1app7yM
My three biggest takeaways from the Gold Cup for the USMNT:
1. Landon Donovan will play a significant role on this team over the next 12 months
Donovan went from an unsure participant in this tournament to its Most Valuable Player, scoring five goals and adding eight assists. He also seemed to embrace a leadership role with the younger guys on the team. By the final weekend, LD and Jurgen Klinsmann seemed to be getting along harmoniously. We will likely see Donovan starting in the USMNT's World Cup Qualifiers in September.
2. Depth is at an all-time high
Making up a starting lineup for next year's World Cup, or even the September matches, is virtually impossible right now. Not because of a lack of quality players, but because there are so many options at Klinsmann's disposal. We saw some of those options step up this past month in the Gold Cup. Do you start Dempsey up front with Altidore, or deploy him behind and allow a guy like Herculez Gomes or Eddie Johnson (who scored in the quarterfinal and semifinal, and should have put away a goal in the final) to partner with Jozy? Do Donovan and Zusi have the outside midfield positions locked up, or does someone like Bedoya or Joe Corona (both of whom played well in the Gold Cup) have a shot? Does Kyle Beckerman, who played exceptionally well in the knockout portion of the Gold Cup, get a crack at the defensive midfielder spot Jermaine Jones has owned in recent months? Will Shea make the roster in a "super sub" role after scoring the winning goals against Costa Rica and Panama coming off the bench?
3. It is fun cheering on this team
When a team runs off 11 wins in a row - and in the process win a trophy - it is bound to make its fans happy. But there is something about this team that is entertaining, and it isn't just the wins. They seem to have a great chemistry, led by Klinsmann's positive reinforcement and bonding techniques. They have played with much less of a "bunker down" approach when they have gone up against the likes of Germany, Belgium, and Italy since Klinsmann took over. There is no doubt that the opposition will get tougher in the coming weeks...an August qualifier against 14th in the world Bosnia-Herzegovina will be a stern test, followed by WCQ matches at Costa Rica and home vs Mexico. But there is no doubt this team is playing with a significant amount of confidence.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Gold Cup Preview and Predictions
The regional soccer tournament for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, the Gold Cup, kicks off tomorrow. This year's Gold Cup is a 12-team tournament, taking place in various stadiums throughout the United States.
This is the 12th staging of the Gold Cup, which has been won by Mexico six times, the US four times, and Canada once. Mexico is the two-time defending champion.
The first and second place teams in each group move on to the quarterfinal knockout stage, while two of the three third place teams will also advance to that stage.
Here is my preview, along with a few predictions. Teams I see advancing to the quarterfinals are in BOLD. (Current FIFA World Ranking is in parentheses):
Group A - Canada (88), Martinique (unranked), Mexico (20), Panama (51)
This should be the most entertaining and competitive group. Mexico has struggled recently, stuck in the middle of the regional World Cup Qualification group and did not impress in the recent Confederations Cup. On paper, however, Mexico is the best team in this group. Panama made a great run in the 2011 Gold Cup reaching the semifinals and is just a couple points behind Mexico in WCQ. Canada has not been on a good run recently, having missed out on the WCQ Hex, but that makes it dangerous as its focus is solely on this competition. The French Republic of Martinique is unranked by FIFA and it would be a miracle for it to advance.
Group B - El Salvador (94), Haiti (69), Honduras (55), Trinidad and Tobago (87)
Probably the most difficult group to pick from is Group B. Honduras seems to be the favorite on paper, as it is the only team in this group which was able to make it to the Hex and lost in the semifinals in the last two Gold Cups. However, El Salvador just missed out on the final round of World Cup Qualifying and was a quarterfinalist in this tournament in 2011. Haiti has some talent and recently drew with Italy in a friendly, which gives it a bit of an edge on Trinidad and Tobago in my book.
Group C - Belize (130), Costa Rica (39), Cuba (82), United States (22)
The host USA is the favorite in this group, and its Gold Cup squad demolished Guatemala in a friendly last night by a 6-0 count. Costa Rica has surprised many in World Cup Qualifying so far, as it sits in second place, and should not be underestimated in this tournament where it is often one of the final four. Cuba has won only one match out of 16 in its previous Gold Cup appearances. Belize will likely be overmatched in its first ever Gold Cup.
Quarterfinals:
Panama (A2) over El Salvador (B2) - should be competitive, but Panama will take care of business
Mexico (A1) over Haiti (B3) - Haiti shouldn't be able to keep this close
Costa Rica (C2) over Honduras (B1) - this one will be interesting, with CR winning in a penalty kick shootout
United States (C1) over Canada (A3) - Canada always plays the U.S. tough, so look for this to be a nailbiter
Semifinals:
Mexico over Panama - Panama gives Mexico a scare, but El Tri is able to hold on to a 1-0 win
United States over Costa Rica - this one could go either way, but I'll take the home team with a late winner
Final:
United States over Mexico - this is always a high-energy match, but Chicago will give the U.S. a nice home crowd advantage and Mexico won't have the firepower that the Stars & Stripes bring this time around with Landon Donovan and Herculez Gomez up front. USA 2, Mexico 1 in the final.
Who do you see winning this year's Gold Cup? Do you see a Cinderella-type run for someone like Canada?
This is the 12th staging of the Gold Cup, which has been won by Mexico six times, the US four times, and Canada once. Mexico is the two-time defending champion.
The first and second place teams in each group move on to the quarterfinal knockout stage, while two of the three third place teams will also advance to that stage.
Here is my preview, along with a few predictions. Teams I see advancing to the quarterfinals are in BOLD. (Current FIFA World Ranking is in parentheses):
Group A - Canada (88), Martinique (unranked), Mexico (20), Panama (51)
This should be the most entertaining and competitive group. Mexico has struggled recently, stuck in the middle of the regional World Cup Qualification group and did not impress in the recent Confederations Cup. On paper, however, Mexico is the best team in this group. Panama made a great run in the 2011 Gold Cup reaching the semifinals and is just a couple points behind Mexico in WCQ. Canada has not been on a good run recently, having missed out on the WCQ Hex, but that makes it dangerous as its focus is solely on this competition. The French Republic of Martinique is unranked by FIFA and it would be a miracle for it to advance.
Group B - El Salvador (94), Haiti (69), Honduras (55), Trinidad and Tobago (87)
Probably the most difficult group to pick from is Group B. Honduras seems to be the favorite on paper, as it is the only team in this group which was able to make it to the Hex and lost in the semifinals in the last two Gold Cups. However, El Salvador just missed out on the final round of World Cup Qualifying and was a quarterfinalist in this tournament in 2011. Haiti has some talent and recently drew with Italy in a friendly, which gives it a bit of an edge on Trinidad and Tobago in my book.
Group C - Belize (130), Costa Rica (39), Cuba (82), United States (22)
The host USA is the favorite in this group, and its Gold Cup squad demolished Guatemala in a friendly last night by a 6-0 count. Costa Rica has surprised many in World Cup Qualifying so far, as it sits in second place, and should not be underestimated in this tournament where it is often one of the final four. Cuba has won only one match out of 16 in its previous Gold Cup appearances. Belize will likely be overmatched in its first ever Gold Cup.
Quarterfinals:
Panama (A2) over El Salvador (B2) - should be competitive, but Panama will take care of business
Mexico (A1) over Haiti (B3) - Haiti shouldn't be able to keep this close
Costa Rica (C2) over Honduras (B1) - this one will be interesting, with CR winning in a penalty kick shootout
United States (C1) over Canada (A3) - Canada always plays the U.S. tough, so look for this to be a nailbiter
Semifinals:
Mexico over Panama - Panama gives Mexico a scare, but El Tri is able to hold on to a 1-0 win
United States over Costa Rica - this one could go either way, but I'll take the home team with a late winner
Final:
United States over Mexico - this is always a high-energy match, but Chicago will give the U.S. a nice home crowd advantage and Mexico won't have the firepower that the Stars & Stripes bring this time around with Landon Donovan and Herculez Gomez up front. USA 2, Mexico 1 in the final.
Who do you see winning this year's Gold Cup? Do you see a Cinderella-type run for someone like Canada?
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