Gold Cup 2013: Ranking Title Hopefuls for North American Tournament

The United States has sent a strong team to the Gold Cup and is in great position to take the title. Of course, Mexico, winner of the last two Gold Cups, will have something to say about that.

It has become a tradition that these two sides battle in the championship of this event, as the last three tournaments.

Of course, as we saw in the snow in Colorado, Costa Rica will not be an easy out.

This should all set up for some great soccer. It should also help that, not only are these teams fighting for the title, but the winner will face the 2015 tournament winner for the right to represent CONCACAF in the 2017 Confederations Cup.

So, with the identity of my top three teams already spoiled, here is how I see Costa Rica, Mexico and the United States stacking up. 

No. 3: Costa Rica

Costa Rica doesn't feature a wealth of elite talent, but it plays sound soccer. Costa Rica has also been playing better than Mexico.

Sitting ahead of Mexico in the World Cup qualifying standings, this team actually has a decent argument to being ranked ahead of El Tri.

While not boasting a deep roster, Los Ticos are not talent-less. Alvaro Sabori, and his 30 career international goals, makes the front dangerous. He should help ensure Costa Rica's attack remains fluid despite Bryan Ruiz not participating. 

The back line is light and will likely be this team's downfall, but if there is a surprise entrant in the finals this year, my money is on Los Ticos. 

No. 2: Mexico

El Tri have been struggling, but this won't be the same group of underperforming players that made a quick exit from the Confederations Cup and has been struggling in World Cup qualifying. 

This roster features nothing but domestic-based players, and a dozen of them are 25 or younger.

Maybe, all of this means No. 2 is too favorable a ranking. Hinting at that is the fact that they lost their opener 2-1 to Panama.

All of this further entrenches manager Jose Manuel de la Torre's position on the hot seat. If El Tri fans had their way, tomorrow wouldn't be too soon for his firing.

Despite all of this, Mexico remains dangerous, and the defending champions can't be counted out until they are eliminated.

No. 1: United States

The U.S. doesn't have its A squad, but it does feature a nice blend of experience and youth. That includes Landon Donovan, midfielder Jose Torres and center back Oguchi Onyewu, who will be looking to make a strong impression after missing out on the Americans' recent World Cup qualifying play.

It is clear, with the assembly of this roster, that the USMNT has its sights set on atoning for losing in the past two championship matches in this tournament to Mexico. 

As a whole, the Americans enter this tournament having played wonderful soccer. They routed Guatemala 6-0 their last time on the pitch, and they are 5-0 in their last five matches.

At this point, the Americans have to be considered a strong favorite to take the title.