The Concacaf Gold Cup has been a tournament largely dominated by the US and Mexico. In fact, there has only ever been one other winner of the tournament in its modern era (since 1991), Canada in 2000. Therefore it's no surprise football fans are going into this year's Gold Cup wondering if this will be the year for a big change.
Could there be a Caribbean winner for the first time ever? The Caribbean teams participating in this year's edition are Cuba, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago. Among the 7 seven teams, Jamaica has been looked at as a serious contender to take home the trophy. Finishing as runner-up in 2015 and 2017, the team looks as strong as ever to go all the way. In the tournament opener Saturday night, the Reggae Boyz held hosts USA to a 1-1 draw. Although not a bad start at all, the team did look lackluster and lacking chemistry, something to work on as the tournament goes on. Still, with the amazing talent on roster for Jamaica, they remain a threat to take home the 2023 trophy.
Jamaica's Damion Lowe (right) tackles USA's Jordan Morris for the ball (left). Credit: 90min.com
On Sunday, two other Caribbean heavyweights got off to a great start. Trinidad and Tobago beat St. Kitts and Nevis 3-0 while Haiti edged a solid Qatar team 2-1 with a last minute winner from star striker Frantzdy Pierrot. While both teams will be more than happy with their victories, they will have to shift their focus to the next game as Haiti take on the mighty Mexico while the Soca Warriors will confront Jamaica in an exciting all Caribbean clash. Although these three teams appear to be the Caribbean teams likely to create a significant impact, it's important to note that there are still talented individuals on other teams such as Cuba, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Romaine Sawyers of St Kitts, and Andreaw Gravilion of Guadeloupe highlight this talent.
Trinidad's Andre Rampersad (left) plays the ball as St Kitts and Nevis's Yohannes Mitchum (right) looks on. Credit: Fox Sports.
All in all, if there's any Gold Cup for a Caribbean team to finally win, it's this year's event. With the U.S. and Canadian teams leaving key players out of their squad, and teams like Jamaica having picked up remarkable talent, it's anyone's tournament. Aside from the additional talent, Jamaica is definitely a team to watch with the guidance of their new experienced coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson. The blending of the new talent with expert coaching could quite possibly lead to the Reggae Boyz becoming a solid Concacaf Force. The apparent cohesion of the Haitian team renders them a captivating group of players to root for. The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup continues June 26 through July 16 throughout the United States and Canada.
Comments