Teams: Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago
Match of the round: Guatemala vs Trinidad and Tobago (7/9 7pm FS1)
Out of the three group at this year’s Gold Cup, Group C is by far the weakest. With one team that is unquestionably one of the powers of the confederation (Mexico) and another that will struggle to score a goal (Cuba) that leaves very little to be determined in terms of the top and bottom spot.
Where things get interesting is between Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago. Both teams play a fast-paced, energetic style with Guatemala having the slight advantage on defense. Nevertheless both sides will compete fiercely for that second automatic spot in Group C.
Key players to keep an eye on: Ariel Martinez (Cuba/FC Sancti Spiritus,) Marco Pappa (Guatemala/Seattle Sounders FC,) Giovanni dos Santos (Mexico/Villareal,) and Kevan George (Trinidad and Tobago/Columbus Crew SC).
Outlook:
Cuba:Unfortunately in football sometimes the best news does not come until long after an event occurs. That seems to be the case for Cuba at this 2015 Gold Cup. Although the side is highly unlikely to get to the second of this year’s tournament hope does spring eternal for the island nation. With the normalization of relations between Cuba and the United States this may be the first real opportunity for players to be scouted by teams via normal routes. In other words, players will not be fleeing to seek asylum. Having already been eliminated from qualification from the World Cup places added pressure on this team to produce in the Gold Cup.
That being said, there are some bright spots for the club. The side did just finish in fourth place at the 2014 Caribbean Championship and will look to build off of their Quarterfinal appearance at the 2013 Gold Cup. But for a squad that just scored 5 goals during the Caribbean Championships, playing against high-energy attacks like Guatemala, Mexico, and T an T will certainly pose a challenge.
Guatemala: One of the dark horses of the tournament, Guatemala could surprise teams this year. Bringing back the same team finished second at the 2014 Copa Centroamericana, Guatemala comes into this Gold Cup experienced and ready to take the confederation by storm.
As opposed Guatemalan teams in the past which could defend but struggled on the attack this team can directly engage other defenses with multiple options. That of course starts with Marco Pappa, the Seattle Sounders FC midfielder who scored 4 goals during the Copa Centroamerican. His runs down the right flank can disrupt defenses and give Carlos Ruiz room to score. Pappa can also beat teams with shots from distance and given the level of defending in Group C he may put a few past them.
The question will be for Guatemala is who can step up when Pappa is boxed out? Carlos Figueroa showed during the CONCACAF Champions League with Commincaciones that he can contribute on the attack at times and Moises Hernandez has been a threat from the defense for FC Dallas. But trusting an aging Ruiz and Pappa to do all of the heavy lifting might be a bit much.
Mexico-Let’s just put this to rest: Mexico will win this group. Barring an epic breakdown El Tri should have little trouble in finishing atop of Group C. Beyond the Group Stage is where the fun begins.
While the injury of Javier Hernandez will certainly hurt their chances at claiming their seventh Gold Cup title it is not a death sentence. With a team that features the likes of Carlos Vela, Giovani dos Santos, and Oribe Peralta Mexico is not short on attacking talent. What will be interesting to see is how Vela works with the other two attackers. He has made just four appearances with the national team over the past two years. The first three matches should provide an excellent opportunity at integrating him into Miguel Herrera’s attack as always there is a learning curve for attackers.
Falling behind early has also been an issue for El Tri as of late. In their last three friendlies, Mexico has fallen behind each time at the end of the first half. On two of the occasions they have been able to obtain draws against their opponents (3-3 versus Chile and 2-2 versus Costa Rica) but they did end up falling to Ecuador. The Mexican can certainly match any time in CONCACAF in terms of scoring, but there is a lot of pressure during this tournament and Herrera will likely not want to have to find a goal late.
That being said this is a very dangerous Mexican side and anything less than an appearance in the final should be seen as a disappointment.
Trinidad and Tobago-The Soca Warriors come into this year’s Gold Cup with high expectations. Despite being tied right now with disgraced ex-FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, T and T’s football program seems to be steadily improving. The side finished second in the 2014 Caribbean Cup and have brought in a set of young , exciting players and steady veterans.
Unfortunately T and T will be without one of their most promising assets, midfielder Kevin Molino. Molino, who led the team in scoring at the Caribbean Cup, is out for the season with a torn ACL. Without his daring runs in the midfield expect coach Stephen Hart to look towards Cordell Cato (San Jose Earthquakes) to help set up the attack and feed Kenwyne Jones opportunities. Jones, who feels like he is much older than 30 years old, has become the linchpin of the T and T attack. If this team is to go anywhere in this tournament he will need to add to his 18 goals that he has already for country.
Goalkeeping may be a major issue for Trinidad. All three of the goalkeepers that were called up for the Gold Cup (Jan-Michael Williams, Marvin Phillip, and Adrian Foncette) play in the TT Pro League. Against the likes of Mexico and Guatemala their mettle and resolve will truly be tested. Defending in general will be an issue with just two defenders over the age of 25 on their roster.
