Gold Cup Schedule 2015: Full Fixture List, Preview of Quarter-Final Bracket
The final set of group-stage matches in the 2015 Gold Cup saw the tournament spring into life, setting a thrilling precedent for what should be a foursome of fascinating quarter-final clashes.
Already we’ve been witness to stunning goals, pulsating pieces of play and dramatic shocks in the CONCACAF championship. And with stakes set to increase as the competition’s climax creeps into view, expect this engrossing Gold Cup to continue bewitching right up until the final match.
Here’s a full rundown of the quarter-final fixtures to come and, to whet your appetite for what’ll be a quartet of quality encounters, a closer examination of the two standout ties from the bracket.
| Saturday, July 18 | 5 p.m. | United States vs. Cuba |
| Saturday, July 18 | 8 p.m. | Haiti vs. Jamaica |
| Sunday, July 19 | 4:30 p.m | Trinidad & Tobago vs. Panama |
| Sunday, July 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Mexico vs. Costa Rica |
United States vs. Cuba
After a 6-0 humiliation by Mexico in their tournament opener and another deserved defeat by Trinidad and Tobago in their second match, Cuba looked poised to be eliminated at the first hurdle in this Gold Cup.
But to their immense credit, Raul Triana’s side pulled out a determined 1-0 win over Guatemala in their final group match, giving the Leones del Caribe the three points needed to progress as one of the two most successful third-placed teams.
Their reward for that victory is a clash against the United States.
As noted by Paul Carr of ESPN, the USMNT are dominant when it comes to head-to-head meetings between these two:
Jurgen Klinsmann’s side haven’t been at full flight in this tournament, however. Granted, they won two and drew one of their opening three games, but the swagger that was recently on show in friendly wins against the Netherlands and Germany has been scarcely seen.
Indeed, the United States have almost been reliant solely on the spark from Clint Dempsey in order to progress. The Seattle Sounders striker has netted three of the United States’ four goals so far and galvanised his team in their last match when 1-0 down at half-time against Panama.
Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated summed up just how important the forward is to the Americans' cause:
This match is an ideal opportunity for the USMNT to rediscover some panache. Cuba did well to qualify with their big win over Guatemala, but Mexico proved in that opening game that if you moved the ball quickly around them, the minnows will struggle to be competitive. Expect a comfortable win for the United States.
Prediction: United States 3-0 Cuba
Mexico vs. Costa Rica
Viewed as two of the main contenders for the competition prior to the Gold Cup getting underway, it’s a big surprise to see Mexico and Costa Rica meeting so early in the tournament, as they were unable to top their groups.
As noted by Ives Galarcep of Soccer By Ives, these two squaring off in the second half of the bracket sets things up very well for the United States:
Although the meeting has come earlier than expected, it should be an absorbing clash. After all, Mexico have scored 10 goals in their three matches to date, including the aforementioned landslide triumph over Cuba and a sensational 4-4 draw with Trinidad and Tobago last time out.
In that encounter, Mexico scored two goals in the last two minutes of regulation time to overhaul a one-goal deficit and lead 4-3 against the Caribbean outfit. Three points would have seen them play Panama in the quarters, but this late, late strike from Yohance Marshall condemned El Tri to a much tougher match against Costa Rica:
Los Ticos have been solid in their games so far but have struggled to find an incisive edge in attacking areas. Against an open but very dangerous Mexico team, it’s important that they do if they’re to progress.
But Miguel Herrera’s side look a little savvier, and although they lost concentration in a frantic finish against Trinidad and Tobago, there are players in the XI who will relish the pressure of a quarter-final encounter. Expect El Tri to edge another high-scoring 90 minutes.
Prediction: Mexico 3-2 Costa Rica
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