Gold Cup Standings & Schedule: Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba & USA Punch Ticket to Playoff Knockout Stage
What a tournament it has been so far. The CONCACAF Gold Cup is doing its best to imitate the excitement of the Copa America, and it's holding its own quite well.
We began with 12 teams, but we're down to eight. The only four squads that failed to qualify for the playoffs were Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Meanwhile, the three group winners were the United States, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The first round of the Gold Cup features four must watch games. Let's take a look at the elite eight.
USA vs. Cuba
In one of the most shocking developments in recent Gold Cup history, Cuba has defied the odds and stunned soccer fans everywhere. Three players have defected (so far) from the team, and Cuba lost their first two games by a combined score of 8-0. However, Cuba defeated Guatemala 1-0 in the final game to earn a spot in the knockout round thanks to a header by 22-year-old Maikel Reyes in front of the net. The USA is waiting for Cuba. The USA has won this event five times including last time in 2013 when they defeated Panama in the finals. The USA recently benched Jozy Altidore, but after winning Group A, they're big favorites in this game.
Schedule
Saturday, July 18 at 5 p.m.
Jamaica vs. Haiti
Jamaica won Group B with flying colors. They tied Costa Rica, and then beat Canada and El Salvador. Jamaica has had tremendously good goaltending from both Dwayne Miller and Ryan Thompson. They may be the No. 76 ranked team in the world, but Jamaica has been arguably the most impressive team in the tournament. More than likely Jamaica will defeat Haiti, and then go on to play the USA in the semifinals. As for Haiti, they snuck in on the final day because of a 1-0 win over Honduras thanks to a goal from Duckens Nazon. Neither of these teams have ever won the Gold Cup.
Schedule
Saturday, July 18 at 8 p.m.
Trinidad and Tobago vs. Panama
No one will ever question Trinidad and Tobago's heart again. They trailed 2-0, 3-2 and even 4-3 against Mexico but didn't back down. Charlotte, North Carolina was filled with Mexican soccer fans, but Trinidad and Tobago overcame the odds to win Group C. Yohance Marshall scored with just five seconds remaining in the final group game to tie it up, thus winning Group C. Panama, on the other hand has drawn a tie in all three of their games so far, but beat out Honduras in Group A for third place. The winner of this game faces the winner of Mexico and Costa Rica. Could we be in for another Trinidad and Tobago vs. Mexico thriller?
Schedule
Sunday, July 19 at 4:30 p.m.
Mexico vs. Costa Rica
It's been a wild ride for Mexico. They placed second in Group C after a thrilling 4-4 tie to Trinidad and Tobago. They were up 2-0 in that game, but then trailed 3-2, and even took a 4-3 lead. However, they surrendered a goal in the final seconds to tie the match. Mexico is without their best player, Javier Hernandez, and Oribe Peralta has stepped up. Costa Rica also placed second in their group. They too were big favorites to win this event. This matchup features two of the top three teams in all of CONCACAF. Costa Rica has tied all three of their games thus far.
Schedule
Sunday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
All times listed above are Eastern American.