The summer soccer season presses on as the Confederations Cup concludes and the Gold Cup commences.  Last week, we experienced another example of Germany’s dominance and depth of quality as its “B-Team” beat the likes of Mexico, Portugal, and Chile en route to winning its nations’ first Confederations Cup.  I say “B-Team”, because Die Mannschaft included eight eligible under 21 players in its squad, leaving out star names such as Mesut Ozil, Tony Kroos, Thomas, Muller, Manuel Nuer, Jerome Boetang, Mats Hummels, and more.  Meanwhile, the aforementioned contending foes were all supplied with their “A-Squad”, thus making the achievement even more impressive.  And while Germany’s youth movement seemed surprising, B-Teams are trending across the globe this summer as the United States and Mexico will be fielding “B-Teams” of their own for this rendition of the Gold Cup.

Gold Cup History

When the first ball is kicked at Red Bull Arena on Friday, July 7th, it’ll mark the start of the 14th Gold Cup.  The Gold Cup is CONCACAF’s (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) major tournament pitting the confederations’ best national teams against each other, similar to that of UEFA’s European Championship, CONMEBOL’s Copa America, etc.  However, unlike in Europe and South America which hold its major tournament every four years and rotates the host country, the Gold Cup is played every two years in the United States.  The champion of the competition is dubbed the best futbol squad in the region and qualifies for a spot in the one game playoff to enter into the 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup— if there is one.  Now, if the same nation wins both Gold Cups during this four year cycle, then said squad with forgo the one game playoff and gain immediate access to the Confederations Cup.  During the past four year cycle, the United States won the first Gold Cup, with rivals Mexico claiming the second. As such, there was a tiebreaker match.  El Tri beat the Americans, and went to Russia for last month’s Confederations Cup.  Thus, this tournament is incredibly important, as it’s the region’s premier competition and provides the lone avenue to reaching the Confederations Cup.  Historically, Mexico and the United States have had a stronghold on the trophy, as the two nations have combined to win 12 of the 13 Gold Cups (Mexico 7, United States 5, and Canada 1).

Group Stage Schedule

Group A

July 7th, 2017        French Guiana vs Canada        07:00PM ET

July 7th, 2017        Honduras vs Costa Rica        09:00PM ET

July 11th, 2017    Costa Rica vs Canada        07:30PM ET

July 11th, 2017    Honduras vs French Guiana        10:00PM ET

July 14th, 2017    Costa Rica vs French Guiana        7:30PM ET

July 14th, 2017    Canada vs Honduras            10:00PM ET            

 

Group B

July 8th, 2017        United States vs Panama        04:30PM ET

July 8th, 2017        Martinique vs Nicaragua        06:00PM ET

July 12th, 2017    Panama vs Nicaragua        06:30PM ET

July 12th, 2017    United States vs Martinique         08:30PM ET

July 15th, 2017    Panama vs Martinique        04:30PM ET

July 15th, 2017    Nicaragua vs United States        07:00PM ET

 

Group C

July 9th, 2017        Curacao vs Jamaica            07:00PM ET

July 9th, 2017        Mexico vs El Salvador        09:00PM ET

July 13th, 2017    El Salvador vs Curacao        08:00PM ET

July 13th, 2017    Mexico vs Jamaica            10:00PM ET

July 16th, 2017    Jamaica vs El Salvador        06:00PM ET

July 16th, 2017    Curacao vs Mexico            08:00PM ET

 

Group Stage Predictions

Group A

Group A includes two nations participating in the Hexagonal (Final Round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying) in Costa Rica and Honduras.  These two favorites are joined by Canada and new entrant French Guiana.  Without a doubt Les Yana Dokos are simply overjoyed with qualifying for the Gold Cup.  No matter the results, which are likely three losses, French Guiana can be proud of reaching this stage for the first time in its history.  Meanwhile, Canada will aim to pull out a result against Honduras and hope for advancement on goal difference, which is also unlikely.  Costa Rica, however, should win the group with ease as it’s led by standout Gunner Joel Campbell.  Surprisingly though, Galactico goalkeeper Keylor Navas has been left off the Ticos squad.

1. Costa Rica    2.   Honduras        3.   Canada        4.   French Guiana

 

Group B

Group B will be led by host nation and heavy favorite the United States.  Despite omitting key contributors in legend Clint Dempsey, attacking maestro Christian Pulisic, captain Michael Bradley, and strikers Bobby Wood and Jozy Altidore, the Americans should still have plenty of gumption in its play to win the group and press on towards the final.  Watch out for young Chelsea centerback, Mike Miazga, striker, Jordan Morris, and national team newcomer, Domic Dwyer, as this trio could provide a glimpse into the USMNT’s future.  As for the rest, fellow Hexagonal foe Panama should perform well enough to finish second and advance to the knockouts ahead of Nicaragua and Martinique.  

1. United States    2.   Panama        3.   Nicaragua        4.   Martinique

 

Group C

The third and final group includes Mexico, Jamaica, El Salvador, and Curacao.  El Salvador and Curacao will likely be battling it out for third and fourth place, meanwhile Jamaica and Mexico will undoubtedly finish in the top two.  But in which order?  Now, if El Tri was running out its “A-Squad”, I’d for sure fancy the Mexicans to win the group.  However, since El Tri just finished playing in the Confederations Cup, it’s a “B-Team” that’ll be taking the pitch for the Gold Cup.  For this reason, I have a sneaky suspicion that Jamaica, a team that stunned USA in the last Gold Cup, will steal Group C from El Tri.

1. Jamaica        2.   Mexico        3.   El Salvador    4.   Curacao

So there you have it, the Gold Cup Group Stage Primer.  Next week, come back to check out the latest European transfer news on July 11th and be sure to tune in July 25th as I’ll be previewing the Gold Cup Final taking place Wednesday July 26th.  But until then, I hope you all enjoy the fun, festive, and fierce futbol.