All but two of the 15 CONCACAF Gold Cups have taken place in the United States, the 1993 and 2003 tournaments hosted in Mexico, and this year the matches will once again visit the best stadiums in the USA, ending with the Final in Las Vegas.
And in a competition spanning the next three weeks we’ll see the best that North America and the Caribbean can offer, with a smattering of stars who have played at the very highest level with some of the top sides in domestic football. There are a handful of nations which have performed consistently well in the CONCACAF competition and we expect them to do so again. So in the run up to the action, let’s take a closer look at the two big name teams who have been Gold Cup ever presents and the three who have missed the tournament just once… and I guess we’ll see the eventual winner in this bunch.
USA 15 appearances: Six times winners, last in 2017
As hosts of the Gold Cup the USA generally has a bit of an edge; but this time head coach Gregg Berhalter has had to leave some of his best players at home as they prepare for the rigours of European football at their domestic clubs.
Borussia Dortmund’s Gio Reyna burst on to the Bundesliga scene last season and he’ll be a mainstay of BVB’s title push in 2021/22 while former BVB man Christian Pulisic has been ripping it up in the Premier League. He starred in Chelsea’s Champions League winning team as the Blues beat Real Madrid and Manchester City in the semi and final, to win the 2021 European Crown.
So with those two missing, all but four of Berhalter’s 23 man squad play in the MLS, with former Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan the most experienced player with 64 caps. He now earns a living with Atalanta United and is joined by two young club mates, defenders George Bello and Miles Robinson. Bello is still only 19 and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
DC United striker Paul Arriola has eight international goals and he may hold the key to the USA’s tournament.
Mexico 15 appearances: Eight time winners, last in 2019
Managed by former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino the CONCACAF Gold Cup betting odds are likely to pitch El Tri as the favourites to make it nine wins and retain their trophy. While the US team is missing some important stars, Mexico has a handful of high quality, battle hardened international players.
With experienced campaigners Hector Herrera and Jonathan dos Santos in midfield, Mexico’s high pressing game is likely to catch most teams on the hop and leave spaces for star striker Hirving Lozano to prosper. The Napoli man is a versatile player, operating on either wing or down the middle, and can cause opposition defences plenty of problems as he drifts in before unleashing a rocket.
Lozano is certainly one to watch.
Canada 14 appearances: Winners in 2000
Cardiff City wide man Junior Hoilett is an experienced Canada stalwart, having played 161 games in the Premier League; the last time with the Bluebirds in 2019. Now 31, he has added guile and poise to his pace and trickery and will be a constant thorn in defensive sides. 19 year old Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Theo Corbeanu could benefit from Hoilett’s experience and he’ll hope to impress his club with a goal or two.
FC Bayern fans will be looking out for the CONCACAF Gold Cup highlights in the hope of seeing their star wing-back Alphonso Davies. Still only 20, he’s become an integral part of Die Bayern’s Bundesliga dominating side and he’s arguably the most valuable player in the competition.
Honduras 14 appearances: Runners-up in 1991
A decent bet for a semi-final appearance, Honduras have shown they are a tough nut to crack, recently holding Mexico to a goalless draw and beating Costa Rica on penalties in a Nations League clash. 25 year old striker Alberth Ennis will benefit from playing alongside veteran forward Jerry Bengston who has bagged 21 goals in 59 internationals and will hope to add to his tally.
Costa Rica 14 appearances: Runners-up in 2002
With 26 goals in 129 appearances Costa Rica talisman and attacking midfielder Bryan Ruiz starred with Fulham for four seasons in the Premier League and now, aged 35, plays his football at Deportivo Alajuelense in his home country. The other Costa Rican to look out for is striker Joel Campbell who has 19 goals from 99 appearances.
So those are the Big Five.
There aren’t any teams here in SBOTOP’s selection of the finest of all time, but there’s plenty of talent in the pool, there will be an avalanche of passion and great entertainment for the fans.
What’s not to like?!
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