CONCACAF Gold Cup

The United States men's national team will begin their search for a record-equalling seventh CONCACAF Gold Cup against Guyana on Tuesday, when they open their Group D campaign at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Guyana will make their first Gold Cup appearance in the 2019 competition and are distant odds underdogs against the Stars and Stripes.

The USMNT are defending champions but recently lost back-to-back friendlies against Jamaica and Venezuela ahead of the tournament.

Guyana have also lost their last two matches, although they have won three of their last six games to illustrate some promise.

      

Date: Tuesday, June 18

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET/2:30 a.m. BST (Wednesday)

Venue: Allianz Field, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go (U.S.), Univision Deportes en Vivo (U.S.), fuboTV (U.S.)

TV Info: Fox Sports 1 (U.S.), Univision Deportes (U.S.)

      

Odds

United States: 1-50

Draw: 14-1

Guyana: 40-1

Via Oddschecker

      

Preview

Gregg Berhalter will take charge of the United States in what will be his first experience as a coach in the Gold Cup, and it's an understatement to say preparations have unravelled lately.

Losing on home soil to Jamaica (1-0) and Venezuela (3-0) in early June was unfortunate but acceptable. However, the team's failure to score in either game is of greater concern.

Berhalter's side had three wins and a draw prior to suffering those losses, but the coach has suggested those results will prove little more than a bad patch of form, per Goal:

🗣️: "When we're entering this Gold Cup, we want to win this Gold Cup. That's what we want to do and that's what we expect to do.”

Gregg Berhalter has a 🏆 in mind this summer https://t.co/s9y2XJaFMZ

— GOAL USA (@GoalUSA) June 15, 2019

Guyana's talents are spread across the country's native divisions, England's lower leagues, as well as several players in the lower tiers of North American football.

One star who illustrates the difference in caliber between the two squads is Christian Pulisic, who will leave Borussia Dortmund to join Chelsea this summer.

The 20-year-old has said he's looking forward to joining up with some of his fellow headline names among the squad:

🗣 #USMNT midfielder @cpulisic_10 on the @GoldCup roster. pic.twitter.com/T93aJyazl7

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 8, 2019

Pulisic wasn't in the team when the United States lost to Jamaica or Venezuela, and sportswriter Ives Galarcep highlighted the quality he'll bring to their lineup (U.S. only):

Christian Pulisic is closing out his time at Dortmund in style, and building some momentum heading toward the Gold Cup:

pic.twitter.com/Kk8Hias7Yq

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) May 11, 2019

Guyana's challenge looks impossible on paper—11 of their 23-man squad play in the English lower leagues, and several of those are in non-league football.

Not even manager Michael Johnson had much knowledge of their players when he agreed to take over as manager in June 2018, as he told The Coaches' Voice:

🗣 "I’ll be honest: I didn’t know much about football in Guyana so I was straight on Wikipedia."

🇬🇾 Michael Johnson and Guyana are 90 minutes away from qualifying for the Gold Cup in the first time in their history.https://t.co/7ETTyrBouI

— Coaches' Voice (@CoachesVoice) March 22, 2019

This will be the first time the United States and Guyana have played each other in any capacity, and the underdogs could see their opponents' recent struggle for goals as reason to be upbeat.

Anything but three points would be a disaster for Berhalter's men, though, with all the pressure on the six-time champions to ensure they start the tournament with a win.

Honduras face Jamaica and El Salvador meet Curacao as Group C gets underway at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Monday. Both games will take place at Kingston's National Stadium, with Honduras usually a force thanks to their experience and quality.

While Honduras can call on Celtic left-back Emilio Izaguirre and Houston Dynamo defender Maynor Figueroa, Jamaica will be led by gifted Bayer Leverkusen forward Leon Bailey.

There is less star power involved in the Curacao and El Salvador match. However, Jaime Alas is the creative fulcrum for the latter, while the former rely on Cardiff City winger Leandro Bacuna and Everton full-back Cuco Martina for inspiration.

        

Curacao vs. El Salvador

Date: Monday, June 17

Time: 6 p.m. local time, 7 p.m. ET, 12 a.m. (Tuesday) BST

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 2 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Prediction: 2-1

       

Jamaica vs. Honduras

Date: Monday, June 17

Time: 8 p.m. local time, 9 p.m. ET, 2 a.m. (Tuesday) BST

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 2 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Prediction: 0-1

       

Odds

• Curacao: 19-10
• El Salvador: 17-10
• Draw: 111-50

      

• Jamaica: 5-4
• Honduras: 11-4
• Draw: 11-5

Odds per Oddschecker

         

Curacao and Honduras Ready for Winning Starts

Curacao's ranks are loaded with a host of players from across Europe, including Bacuna and Martina. The latter hasn't played much for the Toffees in recent seasons, but he's still a raiding full-back who can be an invaluable outlet in the final third.

Martina's combination with Bacuna gives Curacao enough pace and power to get behind the El Salvador defence early and often. The Cardiff man's direct running will cause problems, but the 27-year-old needs to get the final ball right.

If the supply is consistent from wide areas, a Curacao forward line featuring Jafar Arias and Charlison Benschop will do enough to earn a memorable win.

Honduras will also score a notable victory provided Izaguirre and Figueroa can keep Bailey quiet. The versatile forward can strike from multiple angles and is deadly from set-pieces:

💥🚀 @leonbailey showing us once again how lethal he can be from a free kick! He scored this one at home vs. Werder Bremen in 18/19!#FreeKickFriday pic.twitter.com/EFKtdsv2hG

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) June 7, 2019

Fortunately, Honduras have their own danger man up top in the form of Alberth Elis. A star of Major League Soccer, the Houston Dynamo striker is a powerhouse who can bully defenders and is agile enough to spin in behind.

BOOM!

Alberth Elis with the equalizer! #HOUvSKC pic.twitter.com/u5sh5kdGEi

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 2, 2019

If Honduras can keep things close for an hour or so, Elis has the instincts in the box to take a chance when it comes his way.

After Mexico and Canada flexed their muscle on Day 1 of the 2019 Gold Cup, four new teams get a chance to show what they can do on Day 2 Sunday.

Haiti, Bermuda, Costa Rica and Nicaragua kicked off their tournament with each squad getting the opportunity to prove it belongs in the conversation among the best in CONCACAF. The pressure was also on, as one match can play a significant role in determining a team's fate in the group stage.

Here is what you need to know from Sunday's action.

     

Sunday Schedule/Results

Haiti 2, Bermuda 1

Costa Rica 4, Nicaragua 0

     

Recap

Haiti 2, Bermuda 1

Haiti got off to a slow start in its first match of the tournament but eventually found its footing to come away with a hard-fought victory.

It took almost the entire first half for either team to score a goal, but it was Bermuda that broke the tie with a header off a corner kick:

THERE IT IS! 🇧🇲

The captain Dante Leverock heads home the first-ever Gold Cup goal for Bermuda! #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/Ae5j1F7YDf

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

Most entertaining half of the #GoldCup so far, & Bermuda nabs a merited lead just before the half. Nice corner and towering center back Dante Leverock beats everyone to the ball to head it in. First-ever goal for Bermuda at the tournament.

— Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) June 16, 2019

Both teams had their chances, but the underdogs were able to go up 1-0 at intermission.

However, the tide changed quickly in the second half, as Haiti appeared more aggressive on the attack. This eventually led to a pair of goals for Frantzdy Pierrot from close range:

Haiti levels the score!!! 🇭🇹

Frantzdy Pierrot heads home a well executed set piece and we're all tied up in the second half. pic.twitter.com/Pl23pX4Z2y

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

HAITI TAKE THE LEAD!

Frantzdy Pierrot scores his second of the match and puts 🇭🇹 on 🔝 pic.twitter.com/vvWkLWIHwA

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

Haiti dominated possession after halftime and ended up taking 24 shots in the match compared to just eight from Bermuda. The squad also had a 10-2 advantage in shots on goal.

This could have led to a more one-sided result, but Les Grenadiers will be happy coming away with the three points.

If the team can replicate its play in the second half in its next match against Nicaragua, Haiti should be headed to the knockout stage.

       

Costa Rica 4, Nicaragua 0

Costa Rica sent a message with its first match of the tournament, earning a 4-0 win over Nicaragua.

It took more than 90 minutes to officially decide the winner, but it was a one-sided battle from the very beginning.

The hosts took control of the match with two goals in the first 20 minutes, including one on an impressive strike from Celso Borges:

Costa Rica take the lead!!!

Bryan Oviedo pokes it home and puts Costa Rica ahead just 7 minutes into the match! 🇨🇷 pic.twitter.com/siOIWyzA22

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 17, 2019

OH. MY. 😳

What a strike by Celso Borges 🚀🚀🚀

Los Ticos captain puts Costa Rica up by 2 in the first half. pic.twitter.com/sd2OsQcKG0

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 17, 2019

The third goal in the half was from an even longer distance, although it was more of an embarrassing play by the Nicaragua defense and goalkeeper Justo Lorente:

Just the way they drew it up? 😉

Elías Aguilar's cross goes completely untouched and into the back of the net to put Costa Rica up by 3 before halftime. pic.twitter.com/6JhG2YTthk

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 17, 2019

Still, the Ticos kept the pressure on and were rewarded with a 3-0 lead at halftime.

In the second half, they controlled the action and prevented Nicaragua from getting many real chances in the attacking zone. The visiting team only got one shot on goal throughout the match.

A goal by Allan Cruz in the 75th minute then helped Costa Rica seal the win while improving the squad's goal differential going forward.

WHAT A GOAL COSTA RICA 🔥

Great back-heel pass, even better finish by @fccincinnati's Allan Cruz 👌 #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/nD1FxE619i

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 17, 2019

Although the competition wasn't necessarily the best, Costa Rica showed it should be considered a top contender to win the Gold Cup.

      

Group B Table

Costa Rica: 3 pts; +4 GD

Haiti: 3 pts; +1 GD

Bermuda: 0 pts; -1 GD

Nicaragua: 0 pts; -4 GD

Full tables available at the event's official site.

      

Monday Schedule

Curacao vs. El Salvador at 7 p.m. ET

Jamaica vs. Honduras at 9:30 p.m. ET

Full schedule available at the event's official site.

Group B of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup is the focus on Sunday, with Haiti facing Bermuda and Costa Rica entertaining Nicaragua on home soil at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose.

Costa Rica are understandable favourites in the group given some of the familiar names in their ranks. Former Arsenal forward Joel Campbell helps provide a creative spark, while the 33-year-old Bryan Ruiz is still a major threat up top.

Meanwhile, oddsmakers are tipping Haiti to make a winning start, but Bermuda won't be pushovers thanks to the presence of the lively Nahki Wells in attack.

         

Haiti vs. Bermuda

Date: Sunday, June 16

Time: 4 p.m. local time, 6 p.m. ET, 11 p.m. BST

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 2 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Prediction: Haiti 1-1 Bermuda

             

Costa Rica vs. Nicaragua

Date: Sunday, June 16

Time: 6:30 p.m. local time, 8:30 p.m. ET, 1:30 a.m. (Monday) BST

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 2 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Prediction: Costa Rica 3-0 Nicaragua

            

Odds

Haiti: 9-25
Bermuda: 10-1
Draw: 4-1
 
Costa Rica: 2-11
Nicaragua: 20-1
Draw: 63-10

Odds per Oddschecker.

             

Costa Rica Set for Win, but Haiti Will Drop Points

Campbell and Ruiz have dovetailed superbly at international level for years, and it's a pattern set to continue against Nicaragua. Expect Ruiz's astute vision and wand of a left foot to thread passes to put Campbell in behind a struggling defence.

Nicaragua's preparation for the tournament was the stuff of nightmares, as they were hammered 5-1 by Lionel Messi and Argentina on June 7. It wasn't the confidence boost needed ahead of facing an experienced and capable side.

If there's a weakness Nicaragua might exploit, it's in the Costa Rica defence. Los Ticos will be without the luxury of having Real Madrid star Keylor Navas in goal after the 32-year-old opted out of the tournament for the third time in a row and fourth overall since 2011.

Unfortunately, Nicaragua don't have the match-winners up top to take advantage, so Costa Rica should saunter to a comfortable win.

Things won't run as smoothly for Haiti, who will struggle to contain the enthusiasm of tournament debutants Bermuda. Wells, who has had spells with Bradford City, Huddersfield Town and Burnley, will team with fellow forward Reggie Lambe to offer the pace and power to cause Haiti problems.

If this prolific duo is supplied with chances by artful No. 10 Zeiko Lewis, Bermuda will do enough to earn an unlikely point in San Jose.

Mexico opened up its 2019 Gold Cup play with a 7-0 victory over Cuba at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Saturday.

Uriel Antuna (three), Raul Jimenez (two), Diego Reyes and Alexis Vega all tallied goals for El Tri while Guillermo Ochoa recorded a clean sheet.

     

Group A Standings

Mexico 1-0-0 (3 points, +7 goal differential)

Canada 1-0-0 (3 points, +4 goal differential)

Martinique 0-0-1 (0 points, -4 goal differential)

Cuba 0-0-1 (0 points, -7 goal differential)

     

El Tri set the tone right from the start in this match, getting a second-minute goal from Antuna off a rebound:

MEXICO TAKE THE LEAD!

Uriel Antuna scores his first international goal and puts Mexico on 🔝 just two minutes into the match. pic.twitter.com/l5pPzKxRp6

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

Interestingly, the 21-year-old Antuna was not even a confirmed member of the Gold Cup roster until Friday. The LA Galaxy midfielder was an injury replacement for Jorge Sanchez. And given the chance to start, he made his presence felt immediately.

Mexico would continue to keep the pressure on goalkeeper Sandy Sanchez and the Cuba defense.

While El Tri had a number of chances early on, it was not until the 31st minute that they were able to add to their lead:

RAUL JIMENEZ! 💪

He finds the back of the net and puts 🇲🇽 up 2-0 in the first half! pic.twitter.com/J1QheFxTGs

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

A few moments later, Reyes put one home following a corner kick to extend the lead to three:

And just like that it's 3-0 Mexico!

Reyes is there to collect the rebound and extends the lead to 3 in the first half. pic.twitter.com/969HsZGSZy

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

The offensive barrage continued, as Antuna put the finishing touches on a dominant first half by netting his second of the match:

ANTUNA SCORES AGAIN!

The 21-year-old scores his second of the half and the goal fest continues for Mexico. pic.twitter.com/8PZI67HY0t

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

Having entered the night without an international goal to his name, the first half was quite the showing for Antuna:

HT Mexico 4-0 Cuba

All Mexico right now. Antuna so far the hero of the night with two goals for El Tri. Jimenez, Guardado and Reyes also doing plenty to add to the one-sided scoreline. #ElTriEng

— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) June 16, 2019

It was a first half that was completely controlled by Mexico. Possession (76-24), shots (15-0) and shots on goal (6-0) all heavily favored the Red, Green and White in the opening 45 minutes.

And there was no looking back.

As impressive as Antuna was, Jimenez was just as solid. He notched a brace of his own near the midway point in the second half:

RAUL JIMENEZ MAKES IT 5!

This pass + this finish = 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/28LLYOGEse

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

Mexico wasn't done, though.

Alexis Vega adds ANOTHER for Mexico!

The 21-year-old scores his first international goal and makes it 6-0. pic.twitter.com/JgnYe5I4c5

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

Antuna put the cherry on top of the blowout victory by finishing off his hat trick in the 80th minute:

TOUCHDOWN AT THE ROSEBOWL!

Uriel Antuna completes his hat trick as the goals keep coming for Mexico at #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/jDuqAxpcS7

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

Having entered the match with just two international appearances, a three-goal, one-assist effort certainly can't be overlooked.

It was quite the start for Mexico after a disappointing finish in its previous Gold Cup appearance. While El Tri have won three of the last five Gold Cups, they came up short in their last go-round, falling 1-0 to Jamaica in the semifinals in 2017.

That loss is still fresh in the mind of the 28-year-old Jimenez.

"Personally, I've never won [the Gold Cup]," Jimenez told ESPN correspondent Tom Marshall earlier this year. "I've only been once and we finished in the semifinal, so I'm coming in with passion, pride and the drive to win it...it is something that I'm missing."

He certainly backed up his talk in the opener.

Raul Jimenez is 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/265dV97Jdu

— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) June 16, 2019

The combination of Jimenez and Antuna helped get Mexico's quest for a record eighth Gold Cup title off to a promising start.

     

What's Next

Mexico and Cuba will both be back in action on Wednesday in Denver, Colorado. Mexico will have a battle for first place in Group A with Canada, and Cuba will take on Martinique.

The 2019 Gold Cup kicked off at the famous Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, Saturday with an opening match between Canada and Martinique.

The Canadians made a statement with a 4-0 win, nabbing three points to position themselves in Group A.

Those points will be necessary with Mexico also in the group, as El Tri opened their Gold Cup account with an overwhelming 7-0 defeat of Cuba.

Below is an overview of Saturday's match and group results as well as Sunday's schedule.

         

Saturday Results

Canada def. Martinique, 4-0

Mexico def. Cuba, 7-0

          

Sunday Schedule

Haiti vs. Bermuda, 6 p.m. ET

Costa Rica vs. Nicaragua, 8:30 p.m. ET

         

Updated Group Results

Group A

Canada: 1-0-0, 3 points

Mexico: 1-0-0, 3 points

Cuba: 0-0-1, 0 points

Martinique: 0-0-1, 0 points

For full information on groups and schedule, visit the Gold Cup's official website.

         

Recap

Canada 4, Martinique 0

Canada is undergoing a changing of the guard, and Jonathan David announced as much against Martinique.

The 19-year-old striker notched a brace, including the opening goal of the tournament. David's first goal came off of a poor turnover by Martinique's goalkeeper, and the second came as a result of Samuel Piette's through ball.

THERE IT IS!

Canada's Jonathan David scores the first goal of #GoldCup2019! pic.twitter.com/llGA9sTxf9

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

JONATHAN DAVID AGAIN!

He scores his second goal of the day and puts Canada up by ✌️ pic.twitter.com/zu8ZQcmLDH

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

Canada's promising youth showed itself again when 18-year-old Alphonso Davies hustled to thread a clever pass across the face of the goal, and Junior Hoilett punched it in.

By the time Canadian captain Scott Arfield scored in the 67th minute, it was unnecessary.

Hoilett makes it 3-0 Canada!

And what a pass from Alphonso Davies 👌👌👌 pic.twitter.com/vazYRsJTAC

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

Canada are running away with it!!!

Scott Arfield finds the back of the net and makes it 4-0! pic.twitter.com/rRxPRowCqp

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

"Arfield's well-rounded abilities compliment the rest of the squad, and his consistency is something the young players on the team can strive to emulate," Sporting News Canada's Rudi Schuller noted for Goal.com.

The cohesion between Arfield and his emerging counterparts will be especially important against Mexico, as the group will presumably come down to those two sides.

Canada and Mexico will square off Wednesday, and Martinique's next match is also slated for Wednesday against Cuba. Both matches will be hosted by Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver.

     

Mexico 7, Cuba 0

Some speculation surrounded Mexico ahead of the Gold Cup because of stars such as Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Carlos Vela, Hector Herrera and Hirving Lozano absent from the roster. Tata Martino's side answered any questions with a strong first showing.

The Gold Cup is Martino's first major tournament as head coach of Mexico, and he was given some breathing room by 21-year-old Uriel Antuna's first international goal.

Antuna impressed with a hat trick when it was all said and done. He opened his El Tri account right away in the second minute and scored again just before halftime. The icing came in the 80th minute to extend Mexico's lead to 7-0.

MEXICO TAKE THE LEAD!

Uriel Antuna scores his first international goal and puts Mexico on 🔝 just two minutes into the match. pic.twitter.com/l5pPzKxRp6

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

ANTUNA SCORES AGAIN!

The 21-year-old scores his second of the half and the goal fest continues for Mexico. pic.twitter.com/8PZI67HY0t

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

TOUCHDOWN AT THE ROSEBOWL!

Uriel Antuna completes his hat trick as the goals keep coming for Mexico at #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/jDuqAxpcS7

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

Mexico's other goal scorers were Raul Jimenez (31', 64'), Diego Reyes (38') and Alexis Vega (74').

For the 21-year-old Vega, as with Antuna, it was his first international goal.

Alexis Vega adds ANOTHER for Mexico!

The 21-year-old scores his first international goal and makes it 6-0. pic.twitter.com/JgnYe5I4c5

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019

"Tough to make deep conclusions, although it was a professional display from Mexico against a team ranked 175 by FIFA," ESPN's Tom Marshall tweeted. That said, it's encouraging for Mexico to see Antuna earn a hat trick as the 23rd man on the 23-man roster.

Both Cuba and Mexico will be back in action Wednesday. Mexico will look to build on a momentous start against Canada, a much tougher side.

Cuba will face Martinique.

The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup kicks off on Saturday with a Group A doubleheader at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. 

Canada open proceedings against Martinique before favourites Mexico get their campaign under way against Cuba. 

El Tri are the most successful side in the tournament's history having won it seven times. After only making it to the semi-finals as defending champions in 2017, they will be looking to make amends this summer.

Here are all the details for the opening day of action in the Gold Cup:

               

Saturday, June 15 

7:30 p.m. ET/12:30 a.m. BST (Sunday): Canada (6-13) vs. Martinique (71-10)

10 p.m. ET/3 a.m. BST (Sunday): Mexico (1-33) vs. Cuba (200-1)

(Match odds via Oddschecker)

In the United States, Fox Sports 2 will broadcast both games, while all the matches can be streamed via Fox Sports Go. In the United Kingdom, the matches will be available to watch on Free Sports. 

        

There are two clear favourites for the opening matches at the 2019 Gold Cup.

Barring a major upset, Canada and Mexico will both have three points in Group A by the end of Saturday's action in California.

El Tri have been shorn of some crucial players for the tournament. Veteran campaigners Hector Herrera, Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela all asked not to be involved, and Hirving Lozano is absent through injury:

FMF's statement on Lozano: “All the studies that took place in Mex, the ones carried out by PSV, as well as by external doctors, were analyzed. We reached the conclusion that to get back to 100% he needs more time than he’d have to be able to compete in the Gold Cup." #eltrieng

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) May 27, 2019

The 23-year-old could have been a star of the tournament after another prolific season with PSV Eindhoven:

Hirving Lozano has been directly involved in 25 goals (17⚽️ & 8🅰️) in 29 Eredivisie games this season.

Extremely productive on either flank. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/xW7qCyCgek

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 21, 2019

However, despite their absences, Mexico still have a strong squad and should have no trouble getting a comfortable win against Cuba, who are ranked No. 175 in the world.

El Tri are ranked at No. 18 and have a number of deadly attackers who will be relishing the chance of taking on Cuba, not least Wolverhampton Wanderers' Raul Jimenez, who scored 13 goals in the Premier League last season.

Mexico have won four from four under new manager Gerardo Martino, and it would be a huge surprise were they not to make it five on Saturday.

Canada, meanwhile, have won five matches in a row going into the Gold Cup.

They have tasted Gold Cup success before, winning the tournament in 2000.

They remain the only other team outside of Mexico and the United States to have been crowned champions, and they will be aiming for a second title in 2019.

Crucially, they will be looking to avoid a repeat of the 2013 Gold Cup, when they lost the tournament opener to Martinique.

With Mexico strong favourites to top Group A, Canada will need to get positive results against Martinique and Cuba in order to progress to the knockout rounds. 

Predictions: Canada 2-1 Martinique, Mexico 3-0 Cuba  

The United States will look to defend their CONCACAF Gold Cup title when the tournament begins on Saturday.

A win would put them on seven Gold Cup wins since the tournament began in 1991, level with record-holders Mexico.

Costa Rica and Jamaica are co-hosting the competition alongside the USA, and the Reggae Boyz will be aiming to put their disappointment behind them after losing in the 2015 and 2017 finals.

The tournament will also feature 16 teams for the first time, up from 12.

                             

Schedule

Saturday, June 15

Canada vs. Martinique: 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. local, 12:30 a.m. BST Sunday)

Mexico vs. Cuba: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local, 3 a.m. BST Sunday)

                

Sunday, June 16

Haiti vs. Bermuda: 6 p.m. ET (4 p.m. local, 11 p.m. BST)

Costa Rica vs. Nicaragua: 8:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. local, 1:30 a.m. BST Monday)

               

Monday, June 17

Curacao vs. El Salvador: 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local, 12 a.m. BST Tuesday)

Jamaica vs. Honduras: 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. local, 2:30 a.m. BST Tuesday)

             

Tuesday, June 18

Panama vs. Trinidad and Tobago: 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. local, 12:30 a.m. BST Wednesday)

USA vs. Guyana: 10 p.m. ET (9 p.m. local, 3 a.m. BST Wednesday)

                 

Wednesday, June 19

Cuba vs. Martinique: 8 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local, 1 a.m. BST Thursday)

Mexico vs. Canada: 10:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. local, 3:30 a.m. BST Thursday)

                      

Thursday, June 20

Nicaragua vs. Haiti: 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local, 12 a.m. BST Friday)

Costa Rica vs. Bermuda: 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. local, 2:30 a.m. BST Friday)

               

Friday, June 21

El Salvador vs. Jamaica: 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local, 12 a.m. BST Saturday)

Honduras vs. Curacao: 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. local, 2:30 a.m BST Saturday)

                      

Saturday, June 22

Guyana vs. Panama: 5:30 p.m. ET (10:30 p.m. BST)

USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago: 8 p.m. ET (1 a.m. BST Sunday)

                      

Sunday, June 23

Canada vs. Cuba: 6 p.m. ET (11 p.m. BST)

Mexico vs. Canada: 8:30 p.m. ET (1:30 a.m. BST Monday)

                   

Monday, June 24

Bermuda vs. Nicaragua: 6:30 p.m. ET (11:30 p.m. BST)

Haiti vs. Costa Riva: 9 p.m. ET (2 a.m. BST Tuesday)

               

Tuesday, June 25

Jamaica vs. Curacao: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local, 1 a.m. BST Wednesday)

Honduras vs. El Salvador: 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. local, 3:30 a.m. BST Wednesday)

                

Wednesday, June 26

Trinidad and Tobago vs. Guyana: 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local, 11:30 p.m. BST)

Panama vs. USA: 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. local, 2 a.m. BST Thursday)

                   

Saturday, June 29

Quarter-final 1: 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local, 12 a.m. BST Sunday)

Quarter-final 2: 10 p.m. ET (9 p.m. local, 3 a.m. BST Sunday)

       

Sunday, June 30

Quarter-final 3: 5:30 p.m. ET (10:30 p.m. BST)

Quarter-final 4: 8:30 p.m. ET (1:30 a.m. BST Monday)

                   

Tuesday, July 2

Semi-final 1: 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. local, 3:30 a.m. BST Wednesday)

      

Wednesday, July 3

Semi-final 2: 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. ET, 2:30 a.m. BST Thursday)

                       

Sunday, July 7

Final: 9:15 p.m. ET (8:15 p.m. local, 2:15 a.m. BST Monday)

                        

Live streaming will be available for every match via Fox Sports GO in the United States and Premier Player in the UK.

                             

The USA might have their sights on winning the tournament, but their preparation for the Gold Cup has been far from ideal.

They looked to have put a poor 2018—in which they lost five and won only one of their last seven matches, having missed out on the FIFA World Cup—behind them as they began 2019 with three wins, but things have rapidly gone down hill for Gregg Berhalter's side.

ESPN's Hercules Gomez was critical of the USMNT after a 1-0 defeat to Jamaica in their first warm-up match ahead of the tournament:

5 games for Gregg Berhalter and it’s 5 games where they’ve yet to see a shift of more than 30 minutes of real clarity & effectiveness.

Is a lot of it is due to “trying” players out? Absolutely.

But..

Time for a real XI.

Time for meaningful games.

No more excuses. #USMNT

— herculez gomez (@herculezg) June 6, 2019

Things got worse when they lost 3-0 to Venezuela in their next outing, as Goal's Ives Galarcep observed:

HALFTIME- Venezuela 3, #USMNT 0. The Venezuelan attack torched the USA for three bad goals, and the boos rained down as the team left the field. To be fair, Gregg Berhalter guaranteed after Wednesday's loss to Jamaica that there would be more bad USMNT performances. #HeAintLie

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) June 9, 2019

Berhalter's men should be capable of getting through a group containing Panama, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, but they'll need to significantly improve if they're to go much further.

As for their longtime rivals Mexico, El Tri are without a number of important players.

Hirving Lozano is missing after his season with PSV Eindhoven was cut short by a knee injury suffered in April, while Javier Hernandez, Carlos Vela and Hector Herrera all asked to be left out of Gerardo Martino's squad.

Hernandez will be attending the birth of his first child, Vela is prioritising Los Angeles FC and his family, while Herrera will reportedly be finalising a move from Porto to Atletico Madrid, according to ESPN FC's Tom Marshall.

Martino comes into the tournament with four wins from his first four matches in charge, though, having secured victories against Chile, Paraguay, Venezuela and Ecuador, scoring 13 goals in the process.

Defending had been an issue, as they're yet to keep a clean sheet under Martino. In fact, their last shut-out came in their sensational 1-0 win over Germany in their opening match of the World Cup, 13 games ago.

They're in better shape than the USA heading into the Gold Cup, but their vulnerability at the back could prove costly at the business end of the tournament.

Favourites Mexico kick off their 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign with their opening Group A clash against Cuba at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Saturday.

El Tri are the most successful side in the tournament's history with seven titles, but they only made the semi-finals as defending champions two years ago.

This summer, they will be aiming to get back to the final to fight for an eighth Gold Cup, and they will be confident of making a winning start against a Cuba side 156 places below them in the FIFA rankings.

                      

Date: Saturday, June 15

Time: 7 p.m. local, 10 p.m. ET, 3 a.m. BST (Sunday)

TV Info: Fox Sports 2 (U.S.), FreeSports (UK)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): Mexico 1-33, Cuba 33-1, Draw 14-1

                                      

Cuba have enjoyed some success at Gold Cups in the past, reaching the quarter-final stages in 2003, 2013 and 2015.

After failing to qualify for the 2017 edition, though, they could not have asked for a tougher reintroduction to the tournament than a clash with Mexico.

El Tri are missing some of their best players. Experienced trio Hector Herrera, Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela all asked not to be involved, while PSV Eindhoven forward Hirving Lozano is absent through injury:

🇲🇽❌ @miseleccionmxEN confirm that Chucky Lozano won't be able to return from injury in time for the Gold Cup.https://t.co/NRMWWBQhD0

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) May 27, 2019

Mexico still boast a strong squad, though, and Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Jonathan dos Santos has been excellent in Major League Soccer recently:

And striker Raul Jimenez is fresh from a superb debut season in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers:

Raúl Jiménez scores his 13th goal of the Premier League season. 🐺

He ties Javier Hernández for most goals by a Mexican in a PL season. 🇲🇽

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) April 27, 2019

Raul Jimenez has been directly involved in 20 league goals this season

(13⚽️ & 7🅰️)

Fantasy Football icon. 🎯🎯🎯 pic.twitter.com/5g0CJGANJ3

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 27, 2019

Perhaps Mexico's biggest asset is their coach, Gerardo Martino. Appointed in January, the former Barcelona boss has overseen four consecutive wins in preparation for the Gold Cup.

The 56-year-old has a fine reputation as an international manager. He led Paraguay to the Copa America final in 2011 and then repeated the trick with Argentina in 2015 and 2016.

On all three occasions, his side finished runners-up, but Martino is a man who knows how to guide a side through tournament football. And with Mexico, he has arguably the best squad at the 2019 Gold Cup.

Saturday's opener should be a routine victory for El Tri, but there are always nerves and teething problems in early group-stage matches.

What Martino will be looking for against Cuba is a comfortable win that Mexico can use to build on as they aim to go all the way in the tournament.

The United States men's national team will be seeking to defend the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer and in doing so draw level with Mexico on seven titles.

Two years ago, the Stars and Stripes were 2-1 winners over Jamaica in the final, with Mexico suffering a surprise elimination at the semi-final stage.

However, since that triumph the USMNT have endured a torrid time, as they failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and were recently hammered 3-0 by Venezuela.

With that in mind, Mexico are the favourites for many, albeit they are missing big names such as Hirving Lozano, Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez and Hector Herrera.

Read on for the viewing information for the competition, as well as the tournament odds and a preview of what should be a fascinating Gold Cup.

     

Selected Tournament Odds

Mexico 11-8

United States 6-4

Costa Rica 8-1

Panama 14-1

Jamaica 16-1

Honduras 25-1

Canada 33-1

Trinidad & Tobago 50-1

El Salvador 50-1

Haiti 100-1

Odds in full are available via Oddschecker.

        

Groups

Group A: Mexico, Canada, Martinique, Cuba

Group B: Costa Rica, Haiti, Nicaragua, Bermuda

Group C: Honduras, Jamaica, Curacao, El Salvador

Group D: United States, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana

            

Viewing Information

In the United States, Fox Sports 1 and 2 will broadcast the games, while all the matches can be streamed via Fox Sports Go.

In the United Kingdom, the matches will be available to watch on Free Sports. 

       

Preview

If United States head coach Gregg Berhalter was under any illusions about the size of the job he faces, the recent losses to Venezuela and Jamaica pulled all of his team's issues into plain sight.

The defeat against the Reggae Boyz on June 6 was comfortably the then-worst performance of his tenure, as the United States were outplayed for long spells by their opponents, with Shamar Nicholson's goal giving the Caribbean outfit a deserved win.

Things reached a new nadir against Venezuela on Sunday, though, as a torrid defensive performance saw the team three goals down at half-time. 

Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated offered a succinct summary of the team's display, as they caved in during a shocking 20-minute spell:

FT USMNT 0:3 Venezuela.

Truly terrible.

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) June 9, 2019

Football writer Maxi Rodriguez isn't confident about the team's chances of succeeding under the current boss:

https://twitter.com/FutbolIntellect/status/1137799331874889728

https://twitter.com/FutbolIntellect/status/1137804948282925056

Qualifying for the next World Cup will be a priority for this team, and Berhalter will hope success at this event gives them confidence going into those matches.

For the Gold Cup, he will also have star man Christian Pulisic available again after he missed the two friendly losses.

Mexico are without a number of star attackers, although manager Gerardo Martino still has quality options in his squad.

ESPN's Tom Marshall noted they have looked sharp in their preparations for the Gold Cup:

Just watched the Mexico vs Ecuador game back. Good quality for a friendly. Credit to Ecuador for coming out and attacking. Mexico more impressive than i thought watching live. Lots to work on, but what is striking is the style of play. As expected Martino/Mexico suit each other.

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) June 11, 2019

With no Vela, Lozano or Hernandez, Raul Jimenez will likely lead the line for El Tri, having enjoyed an excellent season for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, per Squawka Football:

Raúl Jiménez has now scored 13 Premier League goals this season; the joint-most by a Mexican player in a single PL campaign (also Javier Hernández in 2010-11).

An incredible return. 🇲🇽 https://t.co/PQrJnJfwax

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 27, 2019

Away from the two favourites, Costa Rica will be seeking to make a run to the final for the first time since 2002, while Jamaica will be boosted by their performance in 2017 and their recent win over the U.S.

Canada are also outsiders for the trophy, although they may possess one of the most exciting players in the tournament in Alphonso Davies.

The Bayern Munich man starred two years ago as a 16-year-old when he netted three goals, and his pace and trickery will be too much for a lot of defences to cope with.

          

Prediction

Winners: Mexico

Runners-up: United States