Gold Cup 2013 Bracket: Last-Minute Preview of Semifinal Matches

The 2013 Gold Cup bracket is shaping up much as it did two years ago, with the same four teams set to square off in the semifinals on Wednesday evening at Arlington, Texas' Cowboys Stadium.

In the first fixture, it will be the United States men's national team taking on Honduras, while Panama squares off with defending champion Mexico for a spot in the final in Chicago.

It will be interesting to see if the U.S. can keep its record nine-match winning streak going against a resilient foe. Meanwhile, the Mexican squad will look to avenge the prior 2-1 loss to Panama that opened Group A action.

Below is a brief preview of each contest, preceded by listings and information on where to follow the matches.

Note: Statistics and information are courtesy of CONCACAF.com, where the complete bracket and tournament schedule is also available.

When: Wednesday, July 24 (first match: 7 p.m. ET; second match: 10 p.m. ET)

Where: Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas

TV: FOX Soccer

Live Stream: FOXSoccer2Go.com

USA vs. Honduras

It's simply been a magnificent performance on the attack for the Americans, as they've managed 16 goals in the span of four matches and have dominated each thoroughly on both ends of the pitch.

A big reason for that is veteran forward Landon Donovan, who notched a goal and three assists in his side's 5-1 victory over El Salvador in the quarterfinals.

The 31-year-old took a hiatus for about four months due to a waning desire to play the game, but now Donovan is back and playing extremely well.

Donovan has been the key to the team's goal-scoring frenzy that has the United States as prohibitive favorites in this match.

Honduras has been the complete opposite offensively, having scored just four goals total in the tournament. All it needed against Costa Rica was one by the precocious Andy Najar, whose diving header in the 49th minute gave Los Catrachos the game-winner.

The U.S. simply has more depth at its disposal than the Hondurans, which the team's official Twitter account highlighted on Wednesday:

This equals Honduras' furthest run in the Gold Cup, and to get past the Americans, it would take a Herculean defensive effort on top of a sudden explosion on the attack.

Given that Matt Besler has been rock-solid in the heart of the American defense and the superior midfield Jurgen Klinsmann's club sports, it should be a hard-fought but relatively stress-free triumph for team USA.

Prediction: USA 2, Honduras 1

Panama vs. Mexico

The last time these two teams faced off, it was Panama who emerged victorious, making it look like even direr straits for Mexico manager Jose Manuel de la Torre.

As he exited the pitch and headed for the tunnel, he was pelted with beverage cups and other objects, which is flat-out scary.

Whatever Chepo told his team after that disappointment worked, though, because Mexico hasn't lost a match since. However, in beating Trinidad and Tobago by a mere 1-0 score, there is room to criticize El Tri yet again.

Expectations are high for de la Torre's bunch as defending trophy bearers, but the heat is especially cranked up on him after his struggles in World Cup qualifying and the Confederations Cup (h/t FoxSoccer.com).

Panama dominated Cuba 6-1 in the quarterfinals, which was to be expected, and come in with far more momentum and stronger form.

The Mexicans must make sure that Marco Fabian gets going, since he has three of his side's seven goals in the Gold Cup, while Raul Jimenez—the hero against Trinidad and Tobago—must be the catalyst.

Meanwhile, the Red Tide have the joint leading goalscorer in Gabriel Torres at their service.

The elevated stakes of this matchup and the relatively unimpressive defense that El Tri has showcased should lead to multiple goals for each side in a fast-paced thriller.

It hasn't been pretty for Mexico, but de la Torre's job may depend on a victory here. Look for El Tri to come out focused and aggressive early. As long as Jonathan Orozco continues to be solid as goalkeeper, Mexico should eek this one out, exact revenge and face the Americans in a finals rematch.

Prediction: Mexico 4, Panama 3