The Gold Cup comes to a close on Wednesday night when the tournament hosts USA take on the surprise package Jamaica in the final in Santa Clara. I saw surprise package but this is actually Jamaica’s second consecutive final.
This is USAs first final since 2013 after Jamaica denied them a place in the championship match two years ago. Both sides look to be playing well so we are set for a good final.
USA
After a draw with Panama in the opening match the USA have gradually got better in this tournament. They needed to but we shouldn’t hold their early form against them. These things are always about how you finish rather than how you begin and they look like they are finishing with a flourish.
USA have beaten a couple of open sides earlier in the group stage and then in the semi-final they saw off an organised team so they should be well prepared for whatever Jamaica bring at them in this match. The two met in a friendly earlier in the year, which the USA won, so there should be few surprises.
Jamaica
Just like the USA, Jamaica have beaten open sides in this competition and they have seen off tougher sides too although there has been a large element of fortune about their progression. They very much have their keeper to thank for getting this far but at the end of the day he is there to make saves.
At the other end of the field Jamaica have scored in all but one match in the tournament and their unpredictability up front can make them a tough side to play against. They have pace in all areas which makes them hard to defend against. How they approach this final will be interesting to see.
Team News
USA have Clint Dempsey looking for the one goal which will make him the leading American scorer of all time. Michael Bradley and Kellyn Acosta are among those charged with supplying him with chances.
Jamaica have a host of players who ply their trade in the MLS so they will be well known to their opponents. Kemar Lawrence was the hero in the semi-final along with Andre Blake.
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Betting
I fancy it might take the USA a little longer than they would like to break Jamaica down in this match but ultimately at some point I do expect them to do just that. I don’t think this final will be straightforward though so I’m not going to invest too much in it.
Jamaica have just held firm against Mexico for the second time in this tournament so I certainly don’t expect USA to run away with this but the longer the match goes on the more pressure I think they will apply so a small punt on draw/USA in the half time/full time market could pay dividends.
Tips
Back Draw/USA HT/FT for a 3/10 stake at 4.20 with BetVictor
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