🏆 A 2021 Gold Cup preview in tiers
It's tournament time!
I always say I don’t have time for writer’s block. As a freelancer, I’m constantly moving from one thing to the next - and that includes this little newsletter I love.
That said, I had trouble starting this preview. I have things to say about teams in the Gold Cup and the Gold Cup as a whole, but how to package them? I landed on these tiers, allowing me to say plenty about some teams and little about others.
Stick with me during the Gold Cup, and I’ll tell you some more stories like the ones I told during the qualification rounds. For now, get ready to leave that angry comment about your favorite team being disrespected or … too respected.
Gold Cup favorites
Mexico - The reigning champion from last time is better than it was two years ago as a program and even with some guys at the Olympics and Raul Jimenez and Andres Guardado injured is the most talented squad.
Hirving Lozano may score in every game.
United States - Despite the fact that the U.S. doesn’t have its strongest team at the tournament, I still think the Americans will compete - and not just because of history. Holdovers from the Nations League like Sebastian Lletget, Kellyn Acosta and Reggie Cannon are still capable players, and I join the chorus crying out for more Daryl Dike.
Also, Matt Turner has one cap, but USMNT fans should feel good about having him back there.
Just outside the top
Jamaica - Leon Bailey leading the attack puts Jamaica in the second-highest tier, but what keeps them there for me is Daniel Johnson in the middle plus an experienced back line. Oh, plus Andre Blake back there.
The Reggae Boyz are flying under the radar a bit, but I like the group they’ve put together (and it’s only going to get better for WCQ).
Qatar - I’m not going to pretend to have a good grasp of what exactly Qatar brings to the table compared to the last time I saw a fair bit of them - at the 2019 Asian Cup and the 2019 Copa America, but it’s a team that has invested time and energy in raising its level. I don’t like guest teams at the best of times (what’s the point of inviting a visitor to your own regional championship?), and it’s pretty clear the Crimsons are here for political reasons.
They haven’t rolled through their last few opponents in World Cup qualification and narrowly beat El Salvador in a friendly, but I think by virtue of doing something different and being an above-average squad, Qatar could cause some problems in Group D.
Canada - What could’ve been. I don’t think not having Alphonso Davies or Jonathan David puts the nail in Canada’s hopes of a first Gold Cup crown since 200, but not having either just might.
Could contend but has questions
Costa Rica - I can’t believe how few young players are on this roster. Luis Fernando Suarez has plenty of work to do, and while he likely will guide the Ticos to a first win since 2019, making a deep run looks much more difficult.
Honduras - Also yet to win since 2019, Los Catrachos have a few talented pieces but need to bring it together. The defense that typically has been their calling card may be showing its age, and
Panama - If someone just settles into a good run of form and rips off some goals, they’ll jump tiers. As it is…
El Salvador - The project feels refreshed in El Salvador under Hugo Perez, but a 0-0 draw to Guatemala in a friendly in LA and a 1-0 loss to Qatar in Croatia (though marred by a red card) show there’s still work to do.
(Hoping for an El Salvador story here in the next few days)
Haiti - The country itself is experiencing difficult times after the assassination of its president. The team also has had some trouble in a tumultuous two years since its shock run to the 2019 Gold Cup semifinals. With key players from that team missing, others need to step up.
Suriname - We saw the new recruits arrive during qualification, but it will be interesting to watch them come together as a team. Suriname is in its first-ever full training camp with the newly eligible players based abroad and despite a few crucial absences (Pinas and Cherry hurt), have a very good team.
I also should have more on Suriname in an article soon.
Praying for a miracle
Martinique - I honestly have no idea what to make of this team. There’s a mix of experience and youth among the domestic-based crew, but I don’t know if they have those few superlative talents to contend for the group.
Guadeloupe - The 2007 run to the semifinal and 2009 trip to the quarters seem a long time ago now. While their qualification showings were good, and they’ve had the toughest recent challenges, it’s going to be tough.
Grenada - Changes were needed and some were made after a disappointing World Cup qualification effort. Will those new faces be able to turn things around? They’ll need some luck in that group.
Trinidad and Tobago - It was hard not to at least chuckle a bit as interim manager Angus Eve cautioned a Mexican journalist yesterday that this isn’t the Soca Warriors teams of old.
“In the past, generally we did very well against Mexico. In this case, we’re in a rebuilding stage,” he said. “We got knocked out of World Cup qualifying and are just trying to re-establish ourselves in Concacaf, taking it one step at a time.” And, indeed. It could be a long Saturday for T&T.
Lazarus tier
Guatemala
My Gold Cup coverage elsewhere:
The higher-ups at The Striker Texas, where I cover FC Dallas are committing to the Gold Cup in a big way. I’ll be covering Mexico there during the entire tournament, and the rest of our team will be taking care of other groups and squads.
Just in the last two days I wrote about Mexico fans in DFW preparing to have three more El Tri matches in town this summer, spoke with an FMF official about continued chant eradication efforts, wrote a column about the joy I’m feeling heading into my sixth Gold Cup as a journalist after last year’s sorrow, and have a general preview on how Mexico copes with entering every tournament as the favorite.
We also have group-by-group previews!
There’s a 30-day free trial, plus readers of this newsletter can get an additional discount by using the code: STRIKERGOLDCUP
Don’t worry! The newsletter rolls on, as does the premium edition (to which you can subscribe here) each Monday, but definitely give a look over at The Striker’s offerings if you’re finding your Gold Cup needs are not being met by traditional outlets.
Also, I appeared on MLS’ Extratime podcast from a Holiday Inn in South LA - always appreciate those guys having me on and firing some good questions at me
Enjoy the tournament! I’ll be back with Premium Subscribers on Monday and with the full list Tuesday!