CONCACAF Gold Cup: Looking Ahead To The Quarterfinals

The Gold Cup has certainly faced some derision over the years for being played every two years instead of four and, resultantly, not always featuring the top players from the likes of the US and Mexico at each tournament. Indeed, this year's Gold Cup is the "off-cycle" edition that sees some of the top notch players from the region focusing on their respective club teams in the wake of what has already been a busy summer in CONCACAF due to World Cup qualifying.

Regardless of the fact that many household names are missing from this Gold Cup, there has undoubtedly been a litany of excitement and intrigue to take away from the recently concluded group stage. Panama's win over Mexico, the United States' run through group C, and Cuba's dramatic, if not unlikely, four goal explosion versus Belize to secure passage to the quarterfinals have served us well in offering plenty of reasons to maintain our interest as the tournament enters its knockout phase.

With the four quarterfinal match-ups now set, one needs to only take a glance at the games in store to see that even more storylines are sure to arise this weekend.


Mexico v. Trinidad and Tobago
Yes, what is essentially a Mexico B side did make it out of group A with a respectable tally of six points, but the eye test through three game suggests that that total may flatter them a bit. Though Marco Fabian has looked up for it through games on the strength of three goals through three games, this Mexican side has looked rather uninspiring and often disjointed in their passing. With the Gold Cup now approaching its zenith, it is easy to assume that such frailties may lead to a downfall before the final.

With the aforementioned point in mind, it is not exactly unimaginable to think that Trinidad and Tobago could end up being a bit of a banana peel for Mexico. Their passage out of Group B was scarcely easy, as defensive issues meant that they would only claim a draw against El Salvador and meekly lose to an enthused Haiti side. A convincing win in the group finale against Honduras, however, did serve to show that this team, playing largely at full strength as compared to some other sides, may have more to say in this tournament yet.

Panama v. Cuba
It was only under the most unlikely of circumstances that Cuba would qualify as a third place team instead of Martinique, but with a fourth and vital goal in stoppage time against Belize, Cuba had indeed secured the most unlikely of passages into the quarterfinals.

In facing a battle-tested Panama side, the conventional wisdom would suggest that Cuba's fortunes are soon to turn sour. Panama already has the win over Mexico under their belts, and some of the Panama players were around for their Gold Cup exploits in 2011. Cuba definitely showed defensive weaknesses against Costa Rica and the United States, and with Gabriel Torres already on three goals in the competition for Panama, one would not be wrong to expect more of the same.

Costa Rica v. Honduras
Of all of the quarterfinal match-ups, this one promises to be the most evenly matched and, potentially, most intriguing of the weekend. Costa Rica were unlucky to have not finished even on points with the US in group C, while Honduras won group B despite their final group stage loss to Trinidad and Tobago.

This match is made that much better by the fact that both sides do indeed feature many of the first line players. Though Honduras was a bit goal-shy in group play, the potential for flair and creativity is ever-present thanks to the likes of Marvin Chavez, Mario Martinez and Andy Najar.

Likewise, Costa Rica have only gotten on goal from the Saborio/Arrieta strike pairing, but as MLS fans are well aware of, both are only a split second away from being in amongst the goals.

United States v. El Salvador
Few would argue against the notion that the US has been the most formidable team in the Gold Cup thus far, but that's not to say that all three group games came off without a hitch. Yes, nine points and a +9 goal difference from three games is hardly a tally to sneeze at, but there were indeed some moments of frustration for American fans. Defensive lapses were seen against Belize in the form of criminally poor marking on a free kick that led to a goal and again against Cuba during a taxing first half that actually saw Cuba leading until just before halftime. Thankfully for US fans, the defensive ship looked to have be righted against Costa Rica, and the pending inclusions of Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler will only solidify the cause.

Going forward, the US has not looked anemic at all, as Landon Donovan has been nothing short of lively, Joe Corona has looked up for it (even outside of his goal against Cuba), and Chris Wondolowski, now on five goal through three games, is having his first taste of success internationally.

For all of the accolades the US has earned thus far in the Gold Cup, there is scarcely any room for error now, and El Salvador could be the type of team to cause all sorts of problems. Rodolfo Zelaya, who impressed so greatly in this competition in 2011, has been at it again, and Richie Menjivar, who has performed so admirably of late for the Atlanta Silverbacks, is only duplicating that form in the Gold Cup and accordingly showing why he is on several MLS radars.

Though somewhat unlikely, an El Salvador win can't exactly be ruled out. Klinsmann and company should be wary.