Gold Cup 2013: Bold Predictions for Semifinals

The United States men's national team will look to keep steamrolling through the Gold Cup in a semifinal match against Honduras. Meanwhile, Mexico will try to match them when taking on Panama to set up the familiar Gold Cup final. 

That is exactly what I expect to happen. However, it's not like I can call predicting a Mexico-U.S. final a bold prognostication. 

Below, I offer up two predictions for each game that will highlight how the semifinals will play out. 

United States vs. Honduras

Where: Cowboys Stadium; Arlington, Texas

When: Wednesday, July 24, at 7 p.m. ET

TV: Fox Soccer

Streaming: Fox Soccer 2Go (subscription required)

Landon Donovan Will Pick up a Brace

While it was Chris Wondolowski who was the driving force in the USMNT's first two games in this Gold Cup, it has been Landon Donovan since.

In four Gold Cup games, Donovan has three goals and six assists. This means Donovan is the Gold Cup’s all-time leader in scoring with 16 goals, and it will be 18 after this one. 

Donovan has looked rejuvenated since his return to the international team, and he is flourishing in Jurgen Klinsmann's up-tempo offense.

However, Donovan will be facing a solid Honduras defense. Honduras has allowed just two goals this tournament.

Still, it has yet to face an attack like the Americans will bring, and Donovan will be at the center of it. He has always been a big-game player, and I expect him to shine in the semifinal. 

USMNT Will Shut out Honduras

While Honduras has done an excellent job of limiting opponents' goals, it has had a tough time scoring. Honduras has just four goals in the Gold Cup. 

Meanwhile, the Americans' defense has been sound, with Nick Rimando having a breakout performance. He's only made eight saves in his three games, but he's come up big at the right time. 

In the quarterfinal against El Salvador, he had a magnificent double save in the 26th minute when the U.S. led just 1-0.

In this one, I expect Rimando to keep the meager Honduras offense in check, and the U.S. will win 3-0. 

This will extend the USA’s winning streak to a team-record 10 games.

Panama vs. Mexico

Where: Cowboys Stadium; Arlington, Texas

When: Wednesday, July 24, at 10 p.m. ET

TV: Fox Soccer

Streaming: Fox Soccer 2Go (subscription required)

Alberto Quintero Will Score an Early Goal

This is a rematch of a July 7 Group A game. Panama won 2-1, and left winger Alberto Quintero came up huge. 

He didn't notch a score, but he drew the opening penalty kick and created the second score. Mexico couldn't keep up with him. 

That said, El Tri has made big strides as this tournament has progressed, and they've made changes that have given the defense a boost. However, I see Quintero getting off to another hot start and providing the match's only goal in the first half, and he will do so in the opening 10 minutes. 

Mexico Will Score Two in the Second Half

While Panama won 2-1 in the group stage, it is not like Mexico was inept. In that match, Mexico controlled 72 percent of possession. El Tri just couldn't find the back of the net. 

This is not an isolated problem for Mexico. The once powerful offense had been struggling mightily heading into the Gold Cup. In the five games leading up to this competition, Mexico had a total of just three goals. 

However, in the last three Gold Cup contests, Mexico has tallied six goals. 

While Panama is coming off a match where it scored six against Cuba, everyone not named Belize is scoring on Cuba, and Panama tallied just one goal over the previous two matches.

This means Mexico should once again be able to control possession. 

Still, Panama has allowed just two goals all tournament, and the defense will pose a tough challenge for Mexico.  

Mexico will wear the defense down and finally take the lid off the net against Panama in the second half. That score will be quickly followed up with the go-ahead and eventual winning goal.