A well organized week of group stage matches have ended and now the real drama begins as 8 teams remain alive in their quest to be CONCACAF's best. The Gold Cup is down to the quarterfinals.
On Saturday, in Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field, Canada will face Honduras: VS.
Canada were unbeaten and won Group A with 7 points. Cameroon-born striker Ali Gerba's 2 goals were half of Canada's goals in the group stage as The Canucks advanced to the quarters for the 7th time in their Gold Cup history. Canada's opponents, Honduras advanced to the quarters by finishing 2nd in Group B led by veteran striker Carlos Costly whose 2 goals led Los Catrachos as the Central Americans will appear in their 3 consecutive Gold Cup quarterfinal.
Saturday's other quarterfinal in Philly features the United States versus Panama: VS.
The Americans pretty much breezed into the quarters in winning Group B, scoring 8 goals in the 3 group matches. Scottish born midfielder Stuart Holden has been the revelation for the US in this tournament and the playmaker in attack. Panama advanced out of Group C as the best of the 3rd place teams in all of the groups. Their high scoring duo of Blas Pérez & Luis Tejada will be entrusted with making the American defense unstable. La Marea Roja will be looking for some payback as the US eliminated them in the quarters in 2007.
Sunday's quarterfinals matches will take place in Arlington's Cowboys Stadium. The billion dollar stadium will first witness Costa Rica take on Guadeloupe: VS.
Costa Rica qualified by finishing 2nd in Group A and are led by their #10 Walter Centeno whose GOLAZO against Canada in the final group match solidified their place in the quarters. Los Ticos are looking for their 1st ever Gold Cup title. Guadeloupe finished 2nd in Group C proving that their run in 2007 was no fluke. Like in 2007, The Gwada Boyz have balanced scoring as 4 different players have found the back of the net. Guadeloupe is undoubtedly the Gold Cup's David.
Sunday's last quarterfinal match in Cowboys Stadium features Mexico versus Haiti: VS.
El Tri won Group C and have been the center of controversy after coach Javier Aguirre was suspended for his kick of Panama's Ricardo Phillips in their groups stage match. Mexico is in the quarters for the 10th consecutive time. Their opponents, Haiti advanced as the 2nd third place team. Les Grenadiers should feel confident after their 2-2 draw against the U.S. This is their 2nd ever Gold Cup quarterfinal appearance.
Its going to be an exciting round of matches as we get closer to crowning a new King of CONCACAF.