Gold Cup 2013 Standings: Countries Who Will Grab Last 3 Spots in Knockout Stage

Sometimes it pays off to finish in third place.

The knockout stage of the 2013 Gold Cup is largely in place. Panama finished atop Group A, with Mexico a point behind them. Their places in the quarterfinals are set. The United States, Costa Rica and Honduras have all advanced as well, but where they'll finish in their groups is still up for grabs.

This means that there are only three spots left, with one left in Group B and two reserved for the top third-place finishers.

Here are the three teams that will snatch the last three openings.

Group B

Haiti

Haiti have been a revelation in this tournament. Coming into the Gold Cup, not much was expected from them, but Haiti have been one of the most enjoyable teams to watch, providing exciting attacking football and some suspect play at the back.

If Haiti is to make the quarterfinals, they will have earned it in a match with El Salvador, themselves playing for their Gold Cup future. El Salvador have been a bit up and down in the tournament, so it's hard to see where they'll be against Haiti.

Jean-Eudes Maurice has been playing very well and scored both of Haiti's goals in the 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago. He'll be the difference in this match. Maurice has been lethal up top and given defenses fits.

The biggest question is whether or not Haiti will be able to handle the pressure. They've played what looked to be carefree football up to this point. Now with some pressure and expectations against El Salvador, will they be able to play the same style?

Third-Place Finishers

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago haven't really played up to expectations yet in this tournament. They're fourth in Group B on goal differential behind El Salvador and they've got group leaders Honduras in their final match. It's going to be tough, but they'll get enough to finish third in Group B.

When you've got a front line with Keon Daniel and Kenwyne Jones, you should be able to find some goals. They were largely quiet against Haiti, though, save for two headers they failed to get on goal.

Honduras won't be quite as lucky. They will likely struggle to contain the duo.

Trinidad and Tobago will be able to earn at least a draw, thus seeing them through. Cuba and Belize will draw in their Group C match, paving the way for Trinidad and Tobago to the quarterfinals.

Martinique

There's very little chance Martinique will not make it to the quarterfinals. Their win against Canada will have been the difference. They're the only country among the third-place teams who has won a match so far.

It was Martinique's easiest match of the group stage, and they made the most it. It's better to throw it all into one match and get the win than it is to play for the draw in all of your matches.

However, the future is out of Martinique's hands at this point. They've played all three of their group matches, finishing with one win and two losses—one by a goal against Panama, the other by two goals against Mexico. The best thing Martinique has been able to do is keep their losses relatively low.

There's still a chance they could be overtaken. If Trinidad and Tobago or El Salvador win and if Cuba or Belize win by four or more goals, then Martinique are out. The likelihood of that happening is very slim, though, so it looks like it's going to be a dream run for Martinique.