Concacaf Gold Cup Final: USA to Face Jamaica
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SteemSports Presenter: @the23chronicles
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Date: Wednesday, July 26
Time: 9:30 PM ET / 2:30 AM BST (Thursday)
Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup is the 14th edition. It is the biennial international men’s football championship of the North, Central American and Caribbean region. Hosted by the United States, the tournament started on the 7th of July and the final match will be played on the 26th of July. 12 countries participated in this tournament and now, we are down to the final two. The winners of this tournament will play against the winners of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, a one-match play-off to determine who will represent CONCACAF at the 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup. If the same team wins, it qualifies automatically.
It was written in the stars that the United States would face old rivals, Mexico in the final, but Jamaica spoilt the plans. Jamaica stung El Tri 1-0 in the semi-final with a goal from Kemar Lawrence just two minutes from time. The U.S. men’s national team advanced after a 2-0 win over Costa Rica in the semi-finals, with Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey the scorers. Jamaica have reached a second-successive Gold Cup final and will again play the role of underdogs against tough opponents.
United States
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As the host nation, the United States men’s national team automatically qualified for the tournament. They were held to a 1-1 draw in their opening match against Panama. In their second match, they were shocked by Martinique, but managed to edge them out by 3 goals to 2. It was an easy 3-0 win in their final group stage game against Nicaragua.
The USMNT have enjoyed an easy knockout stage. They defeated El Salvador by two goals to nothing in the quarter-finals. Then proceeded to win Costa Rica in the semi-finals by two goals to nothing. The USMNT defence is looking sharp, after conceding only three goals in the tournament. They showed character to beat a quality side in Costa Rica to advance, and it is difficult to imagine the Reggae Boyz being a tougher opposition.
Jamaica
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Jamaica came to the tournament as favourites, not to win but to reach the semi-finals. They started brilliantly by defeating new comers Curacao, 2-0. With resilient defending, they held Mexico to a 0-0 draw in their second match. In their final group stage game, they came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against El Salvador. In the knockout stages, they ousted Canada 2-1 in the quarter finals. A stunning defeat of Mexico by a lone goal sees them qualify for the final, a second consecutive time.
Predictions
The USMNT are desperate to capture this trophy, a feat they last achieved in 2013. However, they have to be cautious of their Jamaican opposition. It is expected to be a low scoring affair as the two teams are very conservative. The United States is expected to be the winners.
I would be shocked if US lost this game at home.
As much as I want the US to win, I think it would be great to see Jamaica win. They're more of an underdog. Especially with the match against Mexico
nice pos @steemsports
United States :)
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