The Gold Cup resumes play on Saturday after a week. You know, that little tournament that CONCACAF runs every two years instead four like every other confederation. The tournament that Fox wants you to think the US is the only team competing on a regular basis. I will leave the criticisms of how this tournament has been run and covered to other more reputable soccer bloggers. Instead, I will do my best to predict who will win this tournament. What?
Quarter Finals
Canada vs. Honduras
Put it simply Canada have been on fire in this tournament, and this is really the only thing that matters for this team. Honduras on the other hand have admitted that they are looking ahead to qualifying for the World Cup. Honduras are playing a "B" squad, and are far more concerned, like Mexico and the US, with qualifying for the big show in June next year. So in my view, Canada wins this game fairly easily.
Prediction: 2-0 Canada
United States vs. Panama
This prediction is easy. The US are, of course, playing a "B/C" team, but the US should have no trouble facing Panama. The last time these two faced off in a Gold Cup game was the final in 2005, which the US won on penalty kicks. With Stuart Holden and Brian Ching, the US should make quick work of Panama, so long as Jay Heaps is not allowed to step on to the field. Considering, however that the US is running low on players available and they are fairly thing defensively Panama could probably sneak in a goal. At any rate, the US will win.
Prediction: 2-1 US
Guadeloupe vs. Costa Rica
Again, another case of one team looking ahead, and the other with real commitment to this tournament. Costa Rica has World Cup Qualifying to worry about, where as Guadeloupe isn't even a part of FIFA. Guadeloupe were the surprise team in 2007, but considering a lot of their players play in the premier French league it really shouldn't be too much of a shock. In my view, this will be tough match for Guadeloupe, but I think they will come out on top. Yes, they lost 4-0 to Mexico in their final group match, but they were resting several of their starters.
Prediction 1-0 Guadeloupe
Mexico vs. Haiti
Mexico have been the comic relief of this tournament, at least for everyone who isn't a fan of the El Tri. They have played awful throughout this tournament and it is unbelievable that they mangaged to win their group. And of course there is the coach's stunt. Haiti made it to the second round and nearly beat the might Americans. As much as I love the Haitian team and thier fans, I just don't seem them beating Mexico. They played an ispired match against the US, but they just aren't that good to take down Mexico even in their decrepited state. However I think that they will manage to take them 90 minutes, but that will be where the magic ends.
1-1 Mexico advances on penalty kicks
Semi-Finals
US vs. Canada
It's dejavu all over again with Canada looking for revenge after getting hosed on an offside call in the 2007 Gold Cup semi-final. I think they will get it to. They are playing well, and the US has a bigger match looming on August 12th versus Mexico. Really, I think the US can win and very well might. However, there is a feeling in the pit of my stomach that says that Canada have all the makings to upset the United States.
2-1 Canada
Guadelope vs. Mexico
A rematch from the group stage and more importantly a rematch of the 2007 Gold Cup semi-final. Again, this is another instance of one team with bigger ambitions, and one team with everything to play for. I feel that Guadelope will win this match, which will be an upset of sorts. It will be close, but I think Guadelope just have more drive to win this game. However, I'm sure Mexico would like to have their coach on the sidelines for the game on August 12th. However, with how poor Mexico has been playing I just can't see them advancing to the final.
1-0 Guadelope
Final
Canada vs. Guadelope
Not necessarly the final CONCACAF would want to see, but this is an intriging final as it is. My view is that Canada will walk away the victors in this game. They simply have the better organization to beat Guadelope in the final, and this could be something that they could build thier program with. Guadelope may prove to be the surprise of the summer, but I don't think they have the power to win this tournament yet.
2-0 Canada
Canada win, and this may be a chance for them to build their program to make a run for the 2014 World Cup. However, they have won the tournament previously, and they still have another problem to fix.
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