Gold Cup 2013 Schedule: Previews and Predictions for Thursday's Action

The CONCACAF Gold Cup isn’t a premier international event, but it does give men's soccer teams worldwide an opportunity to get some extra work in ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and offer a spot in the 2015 Confederations Cup to the winner.

As such, every team in the tournament has something to play for apart from the patriotic aspect of representing one’s country. So far, there’s been plenty to support that.

On Day 1 of the tournament, Martinique and Panama each pulled off one-goal victories over solid opponents, with Martinique upending Canada, 1-0, and Panama contributing to Mexico’s recent slide with a 2-1 win.

Those four Group A teams will continue their Gold Cup campaigns on Thursday, with each in search of three points and a more favorable position in the group tables.

Let’s take a look at the full schedule of matches for the tournament and break down what to watch for in Group A action on Thursday.

Group Stage Schedule

Date	Teams	Time	Television	Streaming
Sunday, July 7	Martinique vs. Canada	----	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Sunday, July 7	Mexico vs. Panama	----	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Monday, July 8	Trinidad and Tobago vs. El Salvador	----	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Monday, July 8	Haiti vs. Honduras	----	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Tuesday, July 9	Costa Rica vs. Cuba	----	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Tuesday, July 9	Belize vs. USA	----	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Thursday, July 11	Panama vs. Martinique	8:30 p.m. ET	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Thursday, July 11	Mexico vs.Canada	11 p.m. ET	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Friday, July 12	Trinidad and Tobago vs. Haiti	7 p.m. ET	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Friday, July 12	Honduras vs. El Salvador	9:30 p.m. ET	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Saturday, July 13	USA vs. Cuba	3:30 p.m. ET	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Saturday, July 13	Costa Rica vs. Belize	6 p.m. ET	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Sunday, July 14	Panama vs. Canada	3:30 p.m. ET	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Sunday, July 14	Martinique vs. Mexico	6 p.m. ET	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Monday, July 15	El Salvador vs. Haiti	7 p.m. ET	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Monday, July 15	Honduras vs. Trinidad and Tobago	9:30 p.m. ET	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Tuesday, July 16	Cuba vs. Belize	5:30 p.m. ET	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go
Tuesday, July 16	USA vs. Costa Rica	8 p.m. ET	Fox Soccer	Fox Soccer 2Go

Panama vs. Martinique: 8:30 p.m. ET

Panama and Martinique both sit atop the Group A tables with three points, but one of the two will be in sole possession of the lead barring a draw on Thursday.

For both teams, a win means earning a huge advantage in its attempt to advance beyond the group stage and into further contention for the Gold Cup title.

In the opening round of action, Panama upended Mexico, led by Gabriel Torres and his two scoring strikes. If Martinique fails to shut down the striker in this contest, Panama could be well on its way to six points in the group and the inside track to the berth in the next stage.

Martinique did its part to quell doubters on Day 1 of the tournament as well. Canada isn’t an international powerhouse by any means, but it was still expected to drop a Martinique squad that was widely regarded as the weakest team in the group.

If Mexico and Canada play to a draw, the winner of this match is going to be a virtual lock to advance.

 

Prediction: Panama 3, Martinique 1 

 

Mexico vs. Canada: 11 p.m. ET

Prior to its Day 1 loss, Mexico hadn’t lost a Gold Cup contest in 12 matches, making a finals appearance in each of the last three editions. This year is a little different, though.

The Mexican side has struggled in international competitions recently, including a stunning Confederations Cup exit following the group stage. If Mexico hopes to have any chance in the 2014 World Cup, it will have to turn things around quickly.

For Canada, simply being competitive against Mexico should be a primary focus. The Canadians lost to Martinique on a goal in the final minute of stoppage time on Day 1, but were dominated throughout the contest and easily could have lost by two or three goals.

As poorly as Mexico has played of late, it’s hard to envision a scenario in which Canada rallies to a victory in this contest.

Look for Mexico to rebound with a solid performance against an overmatched Canadian squad to pick up three points and remain in contention in Group C.

Prediction: Mexico 2, Canada 0