Group B of the Gold Cup gets underway on Saturday night with all four sides beginning their campaign for glory in Nashville, Tennessee. It gives us the first chance to look at the hosts of the event USA who go up in the first match of the two. We also get to see some minnows for the first time.
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USA vs Panama
Tournament hosts USA begin their campaign with what is considered to be the toughest match in their group in terms of FIFA ranking and experience in the form of Panama. Panama will get an immediate chance to cause an upset here.
With both sides have far inferior opponents to come later in the group there isn’t the emphasis on winning this one that their usually is and it might be that a draw suits both nicely. Panama are an improving nation on this stage but they have left a lot of experience out of their squad and it will be interesting to see how they adjust to that.
USA should win this match but in front of a large crowd and the pressure of hosting the tournament their price is probably about right if not a little on the short side so I can afford to leave this one alone.
Martinique vs Nicaragua
The two lesser sides in this group head into this match knowing that if they are to have any chance of extending their tournament beyond the group stage this is a match they simply have to win. That could ensure we get a wide open game or a tight and nervy affair.
Both sides are returning to this level and might take some time to adjust but I give the edge to Nicaragua here purely on the grounds that they beat Haiti in qualifying. That might not sound much to those of us on this side of the pond but Haiti have been making good strides in this part of the world. They were 3-1 down in that match so we know they have the character.
Nicaragua have won more than half the games their Costa Rican manager has been in charge for which is a decent form guide and on a level ball line they are worth a punt.
Tips
Back Nicaragua (0AH) to beat Martinique for a 4/10 stake at 2.03 with BetVictor
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