Most of the CONCACAF could be decided on Friday as a great of games could eliminate some teams lock up top seeds for others.
Group A
Guatelemala vs. Jamaica 10 PM ET
Both squads have seven points and are in a three way tie with the USA for the top seed in the group. Guatemala has been the better offensive squad of the two, but they have already faced Antigua and Barbuda twice. Last time they faced off, Jamaica took a 2-1 win with goals in the 40th and 46th minute. Guatemala stole a goal in the second minute of stoppage. That goal currently has them as the top team in the group. Guatemala drew the USA 1-1 before defeating a tricky Antigua team 3-1. They did not score until the 60th minute and were trailing for almost 20 minutes in that match. They followed that effort with a 1-0 win in Antigua and Barbuda.
Meanwhile Jamaica beat the US on home soil 2-1 and then lost in the USA 1-0. This alone makes them favorites in this match, but the fact they are on the road is a major disadvantage. If Jamaica wins and USA loses or draws Antigua and Barbuda, then Jamaica is in the next round. Guatemala cannot guarantee passage to the hexagonal stage but a loss or draw would eliminate Antigua from contention.
Prediction: A 2-2 draw.
Group B
El Salvador vs. Costa Rica 9:30 PM ET
This is another major match with qualification implications. The last time these teams met Costa Rica jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 15 on their home soil but then stumbled the rest of the way to settle for a 2-2 draw. Since then Costa Rica posted a dominating 4-0 win over Guyana before losing two straight to Mexico. Meanwhile El Salvador lost to Mexico 2-1 but then had a 2-2 draw to Guyana at home and a 3-2 win in Guyana.
With 5 points, all El Salvador needs is one win to move on to the next round. This is the ideal scenario because a draw or loss would force them to beat Mexico (in Mexico no less) and hope for a Guyana victory. Costa Rica must win as a loss puts them four points behind El Salvador and out of contention. A draw is not helpful either though it increases their chances as they would need to beat Guyana and hope for a Mexican win over El Salvador. Both of those scenarios are very likely to occur. However if they manage to win, Costa Rica has a nice two point lead on El Salvador and can afford a draw with Guyana. They could even lose to Guyana if Mexico defeats or draws with El Salvador.
Prediction: Costa Rica wins 2-0.
Canada vs. Cuba 7:45 PM ET
This game means everything to Canada and nothing to Cuba. After retaking the lead of group C with a 1-0 win against group leader Panama, they relinquished it with a 2-0 loss. Meanwhile, Honduras, who only had 1 point through two matches, obtained two wins over Cuba to catch up to the rest of the pack. Honduras is the best team in the group and could easily take down Panama now that they are finally in form. Canada will have to take Honduras on in the final match of the round in what could decide which of the two squads moves on. However, a loss to Cuba or even a draw would put them in a precarious spot that is likely best avoided.
Meanwhile Cuba is the first CONCACAF team eliminated after four straight losses and not one single goal scored. They are playing for pride but since they are on the road, it is hard to give them any chance in this one.
Prediction: Canada needs a 3-0 or 4-0 win and I think it is possible.
Panama vs. Honduras 10 PM ET
The more impressive match of the group as possibly the two best teams face-off. Back in June, Honduras defeated Honduras 2-0 on the road. But that squad was not in form and has since looked better after its two wins over Cuba. Since it was against Cuba, they jury is still out on Jerry Bengston's squad but they are nonetheless dangerous. Panama would advance with a win but a draw gets them through if Canada fails to win against Cuba. A loss does not necessarily hurt their chances as all they would need is a win against a winless Cuban squad.
This game is more important for Honduras, but Panama would probably want to release the tension by winning this game at home.
Prediction: A draw. 1-1. Both teams need it, but both refuse to lose.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
