The Gold Cup knockout stages begin on Wednesday night into the early hours of Thursday morning for those of us in the UK when the first two quarter finals are played out. The tournament ramps up a notch from here on in and we should get some good football as a result.
Costa Rica and USA are the standout sides in action over the course of these two matches and they will be expected to come through and take their place in the semi-finals but Panama and El Salvador will have plenty to say about that.
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Costa Rica vs Panama
The first quarter final sees the Group A winners up against the runners up in Group B as Costa Rica take on Panama in the first of the two matches in Philadelphia. Costa Rica head into the match as the favourites but Panama have already held USA in this tournament and should not be underestimated.
I’m expecting a tight match here. I have seen enough of Costa Rica in international knockout matches to do that they do not take risks and if they have to come through via penalties then so be it. It might be that Panama are prepared to take their chances with spot kicks too so I wouldn’t be surprised if that is how this is determined. I don’t like backing draws as a rule especially when there is no extra time so I will sit this opener out.
USA vs El Salvador
The main event of the night as far as the crowd is concerned is the second match which sees the tournament hosts USA looking to make their way back into another semi-final when they face the challenge of El Salvador. You might think that with USA group winners and El Salvador one of the best third placed finishers that this would be easy for the hosts but I’m not convinced.
I would still be surprised if the USA don’t win but El Salvador gave it a good go against Mexico and were far from disgraced in their group match while they held Jamaica as well so while I’m expecting the USA to win I don’t think they will have it all their own way.
If the hosts are to win this I think they will need to score at least two goals because I fancy the minnows to find the net. They have looked good in forward areas and have scored in all three of their matches to date. USA have found their attacking feet despite missing two penalties in their last match. Those misses should ensure they do everything to avoid needing a shootout to decide this so this should be open enough to cover a goal line of three.
Tips
Back USA vs El Salvador – Over 3 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.92 with Unibet
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