Mexico is king of CONCACAF for another two years and there’s no second guessing this time. After beating a US “B” team in the 2009 final, El Tri demolished the best the US had to offer in an entertaining 4-2 final Saturday.

With the tournament over let’s take a look at where some teams go from here and some thoughts on who impressed and who has work to do heading into World Cup qualifying.

Are we heading into the golden era of Mexico soccer?

A much respected colleague of mine is convinced that this is the best Mexico team we’ve seen. From an attacking standpoint he could be correct. The combination of Gio Dos Santos – who Tottenham would love to be as good at the club level as he is with the national team –, Chicharito, Pablo Barrera, Andres Guardado and Aldo de Nigris is the best group of attackers El Tri has ever seen.

While they’re great going forward Mexico’s future is bright in the back. With Captain Rafa Marquez likely to be moving away from national team duty a back line of Efrian Juarez, Carlos Salcido, Hector Reynoso and Jorge Torres Nilo could provide the type of defense that could put Mexico into the upper-echelon of world soccer.

US exposed?

While Mexico is flying high after the final win the US and Bob Bradley is left to figure out just what went wrong. To find the answers Bradley & Co. need to look at the back line first. With Steve Cherundolo – who had an excellent tournament – going down in the 11^th minute the US was left to rely on Jonathan Bornstein on the left side. The move showed just how shallow the lack of depth is on defense for the US and the team gave up four goals in the loss.

With the US showing their creative side in the attack with Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and the resurgent Freddy Adu providing a spark, the concern should shift from the attacking core to the back line. That’s where the questions lie that will define Bradley’s second tour of duty.

Tournament surprise

Early in the Gold Cup it looked like Jamaica would be the up-and-coming team from the tournament, but the team that impressed the most as an underdog was Panama. They twice took the game to the US and showed that they can play the type of organized, stingy defense that propelled a team like Paraguay to World Cup success in 2010.

Tournament disappointment

Costa Rica was expected to be a serious challenger for the Gold Cup and the Ticos were anything but. Their stars Bryan Ruiz and Alvaro Saborio never got on track. They’re futility was evidenced by their elimination where the team missed a penalty kick in regulation and then lost out in a shootout.

Best XI

GK: Jaime Penedo (Panama)

DEF: Steve Cherundolo (US), Felipe Baloy (Panama), Carlos Salcido (Mexico), Carlos Gallardo (Guatemala)

MID: Andres Guradado (Mexico), Clint Dempsey (US), Gio Dos Santos (Mexico), Gerrado Torrado (Mexico)

FWD: Javier “Chichartio” Hernandez (Mexico), Rodolfo Zelaya (El Salvador)

Honorable Mention: GK Tim Howard (US), DEF Christian Noriega (Guatemala), MID Gabriel Gomez (Panama), Omar Daley (Jamaica), FWD Pablo Barrera (Mexico), Jerry Bengsten (Honduras), Dane Richards (Jamaica)

MVP: Gio Dos Santos (Mexico)

Runners-up: Andres Guardado (Mexico), Rodolfo Zelaya (El Salvador)

That’s it. Thanks for following and reading during the Gold Cup. It’s been fun and I hope you enjoyed the coverage.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com and contributes to Soccerlens.com during the Gold Cup. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

In 24 hours we’ll know how the latest edition of CONCACAF’s best rivalry went down as another US-Mexico Gold Cup finale is upon us. With previews and analysis filling the internet there’s a number of issues and storylines being written about. Here I will provide some of the more interesting ones along with some keys to Saturday’s finale and my prediction.

US changing of the guard?

Overall, most who’ve followed the US during the Gold Cup would say they’ve been uninteresting. The Yanks haven’t blown anyone out – actually they dropped a group stage game – and haven’t been truly dominant.

But one storyline is cropping up: Is this Clint Dempsey’s team now? Landon Donovan has long been considered the face of US soccer. The star that fans, media and teammates gravitate too while with the team.

But 2011’s Gold Cup has been about Dempsey. The Fulham man has been the player that’s made things happen for the US both in the build up and the attack. On the other hand Donovan has been placed in the role of “super-sub” the last two games.

With Dempsey taking the lead on the field, a big performance in the finale could signal that Dempsey and his friend Donovan may be switching places in the hierarchy of the US squad.

Down a few stars

On the topic of Donovan, a day ahead of the finale the LA Galaxy playmaker admitted to the media that he’s not been told if he’ll start or come off the bench. It’s lunacy on the surface but with his impact off the bench being better than his impact in games he’s started it’s not out of the question.

A decision to start the game with Donovan on the bench could either enhance Bob Bradley’s image – which has improved this week – or completely kill any good feelings he has built. This could truly be a make or break decision for Bradley’s public image.

On the Mexican side, playmaker Andres Guardado and defender Carlos Salcido are question marks for the game. Guardado suffered an ankle injury in the second half of Wednesday’s semifinal and Salcido is fighting a lingering heel injury from his EPL season.

Both players will be tough to replace but Guardado has been spectacular in the tournament. For my money he’s been the best Mexican player and missing him could hurt El Tri’s advantage in possession and distribution.

Is fatigue a factor?

The Gold Cup is a tough tournament because of the short timeframe and long travel involved in playing games across the US. With both teams playing a tough semifinal opponent and Mexico going into extra-time and only two rest days how will the effort be on Saturday night?

Keys to the game

For the US this game is about staying organized and creating quality chances. I emphasize the word quality. When the US get possession and go forward they need to make the most of it. Also, they need to shut the lanes down and kill the space for Mexico’s talented midfield to find their talented attackers. If the US can win the midfield battle they’ll win the game.

For Mexico it’s simple: Play your best. If both teams play their best Mexico will win. They’re a better squad – not by as much as it looked like in the group stage but they are better. With their talent and ability in the attack El Tri will get their chances and if players like Chicharito, Aldo de Nigris and Gio Dos Santos get in behind the US they need to punish the US. The main concerns for Mexico should be that the US has a solid and physical midfield full of workers. The space will be much tighter.

Prediction

This is a tough one because I don’t think either team’s playing its best soccer right now and there’s questions surrounding the participation of three of the game’s best players. Going on the information I have I believe it’s going to be a very tight game with Mexico pulling it out in the end.

Mexico 2-1 in the end.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com and contributes to Soccerlens.com during the Gold Cup. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

There were a number of questions facing the U.S. heading into their Gold Cup quarterfinal against Jamaica. A regional power that was considered by some to be an underdog, the U.S. entered the match as a team struggling to finish and without their best player Landon Donovan in the starting lineup.

Yet the Yanks took advantage of their strength in midfield, dominating possession and controlling the flow of the match. Adding a few finishes in the second half, and benefiting from a questionable red card, the U.S. put on their best performance of the Gold Cup and advanced to the semifinals to be played in Houston Wednesday night.

Coming into the match the U.S. were understandably wary of Jamaica’s ability to counter attack. Aware of the Reggae Boyz speed, the U.S. put their foot on the ball and played keep away for much of the match. The U.S. successfully carrying out that game plan limited the Jamaicans to only a handful of counter attack chances.

While the U.S. dominated possession from the beginning the finishing took some time to show up. After a number of quality chances were squandered in the first half the U.S. finally broke through in the second half.

It took 49 minutes but Jermaine Jones – who was on a yellow card – hit a low driving shot toward the Jamaican goal. The shot seemed destined to find goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts but a deflection off Houston Dynamo defender Jermaine Taylor redirected the shot above a lunging Ricketts for the U.S. game winner.

Jones and Taylor found themselves connected again 17 minutes later when the streaking American midfielder sold a foul on the Jamaican earning him an ejection. With Taylor the last line of defense, an apparent foul from behind caused the referee to reach for the red card despite the replay showing little to no contact and changed the complexion of the match.

Down a man and a goal the Jamaicans pushed for an equalizer and were caught forward in the 79^th minute and paid for it in the way of a Clint Dempsey goal. The final tally was the product of a good counter attack and a nifty feed from first half sub Juan Agudelo – who entered early in the match for the injured Jozy Altidore who left with a left hamstring injury – and secured the win for the Americans.

Match Thoughts

- Anderlecht midfielder Sacha Kljestan put in a standout performance today linking well with his teammates. His only downgrade would be his inability to get shots off.

- Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey arrived in the wee hours of Sunday morning and were concerns for the match. Reports on twitter had Dempsey arriving at 2AM and still able to make the start. However, the same report had Donovan arriving at 7AM and that contributed to his starting on the bench. Bedoya put in a very good 65 minute shift in place of the LA Galaxy and US star.

- Jamaican goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts was the man of the match for the Reggae Boyz despite the score line. The LA Galaxy stopper was very good and was the only reason Jamaica was in the game at half time.

- Commend Carlos Bocanegra and the U.S. back line. At a distinct speed disadvantage the U.S. defense was solid technically and with their positioning and kept the Reggae Boyz from getting behind them.

Now the U.S. awaits the winner of the nightcap between Panama and El Salvador to know who they’ll face in Houston Wednesday night.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com and contributes to Soccerlens.com during the Gold Cup. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

On the day of the U.S.’ Gold Cup quarterfinal against Jamaica it’s seems like ages since the 2010 World Cup. Despite a tough extra time elimination at the hands of Ghana, the U.S. soccer program was riding high coming home from South Africa. Then the plane touched down and reality set in.

A lackluster year and three underwhelming Gold Cup group stage games later and the U.S. are facing a tough opponent in a match that they’re not a favorite in. With Jamaica standing in the way of a semi-final berth, Bob Bradley’s U.S. squad will have to fight a team that’s more athletic and in better form.

Previewing the match has been a tough order. The parts are there for the U.S. to be successful. Bradley has quality players at his disposal but there are two legitimate questions that come to mind surrounding the squad.

- Slow Starts?

Getting into the flow of matches has been a tough task. While it seems simple enough the concentration and energy has lacked for the U.S. coming out of the gate in recent years. The issue caught up to the squad in South Africa and has done the same in the Gold Cup. How can the U.S. overcome the slow starts? That’s a question Bradley and Co. need to answer and quick.

- Motivation?

The U.S. has not looked bad in the Gold Cup. Actually the play has been good and the passing has seen long stretches where it’s been top quality. Still there’s a lack of urgency. The team seems to be moving a step slow. Nowhere is it more evident than in front of the net where the U.S. has been anything but clinical.

Answering these questions will go a long way towards securing passage to the semi-finals. In their way will be a Jamaican team that will look to run the U.S. into the ground. With that said, here are three keys for the U.S. to come out victorious.

1. Keep Jamaica in front of them

Keeping the speedy Jamaican squad in front of them is key for the Yanks. At a significant disadvantage in the speed department when comparing Jamaica’s attack to the Yanks back line, the U.S. will need to avoid defending while facing their own goal. If the game becomes a series of foot races, the U.S. will surely come out on the losing end.

2. Control the tempo

Despite Jamaica’s speed, the class or quality on the ball favors Bradley’s squad. The U.S. will need to dictate the pace of the match and attempt to grind the pace of the game down. If Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones can provide a steadying influence and distribute the ball to Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Alitdore the U.S. will be at the advantage.

3. Finish, finish & more finish

Can Jozy Altidore find the net again Sunday?

Finishing is a simple and common key. But in a match of two teams that can generate chances at will the ability to convert will be key. For the U.S. that means putting away easy chances which was not a given against Guadeloupe. If the U.S. is to advance Dempsey and Altidore will have to put the ball past Donovan Ricketts or risk being caught on the counter. With Jamaica likely to push forward and not “park the bus” – something the U.S. has not seen this Gold Cup – there will be space and opportunity to score.

With that said, the U.S. will face its toughest test in the Gold Cup to date on Sunday. The way the team responds from the first kick will provide a look into the team’s make up and the coach’s ability to get the team ready. If the team comes out flat and gets behind early it could mean disaster and will raise even more questions about Bradley’s status as head coach.

Needless to say there’s a lot on the line for Bradley and Co. Sunday afternoon.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com and contributes to Soccerlens.com during the Gold Cup. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

It looks like the El Tri’s Gold Cup doping issue has reached a conclusion. Days after the five players were given clean test results from a June 10 sample FIFA has ruled that Mexico can replace the five players they removed from the squad.

After the reported failed tests on June 9 the Mexican squad has played with just 18 players – now 17 with Ricardo Osorio leaving due to illness – for much of the tournament. It’s not clear who they will bring in or when they will join the Mexican squad – which is preparing in New Jersey for their quarterfinal match with Guatemala.

Without knowing who or when they’ll arrive here are a few players El Tri could be bring in to supplement their roster:

GK Liborio Sanchez (Veracruz) – A talented 21 year old ‘keeper who could be brought in for experience. It’s never a bad idea to get a young keeper in the mix to learn and observe.

GK Luis Michel (Chivas de Guadalajara) – An experienced ‘keeper who can put in significant minutes and contribute in a pinch.

FWD Carlos Vela (Arsenal) – The talented forward was one of the bright young stars in the 2009 Gold Cup but a tough loan spell at West Brom ruled him out of the Gold Cup roster. He would provide an instant punch in addition to Aldo de Nigris.

RW Edgar Pacheco (Atlas) – A creative and exciting winger who’s another young player who can make the ‘rich get richer’ in the attack.

LB Miguel Angel Ponce (Chivas de Guadalajara) –This call up could serve two goals. One it would add to the backline depth and, two, it would cap tie the defender who has citizenship with the United States – of course that will likely happen anyway at the Copa America.

CB Jonny Magallon (Chivas de Guadalajara) – A good center back who can provide depth to the Mexican backline.

None of the call ups – especially in midfield or at forward – will likely see much time in the tournament. But having some of these young players in the team and training will help confidence and experience. Also, a player like Pacheco or Vela could provide a creative and energetic spark off the bench.

We should know who the Mexican will bring in some time in the next few days.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com and contributes to Soccerlens.com during the Gold Cup. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Sunday’s quarterfinal matches show just how imprecise predictions can be. Teams that were considered to be favorites in the Gold Cup coming in are now underdogs and an unlikely group winner looks to continue a good run. So while Saturday features tournament favorite Mexico and a clash between Costa Rica and Honduras, Sunday offers a bit of role reversal for those involved.

USA versus Jamaica

Entering this tournament I think it’s safe to say the consensus was that the U.S. was a favorite to reach the Gold Cup finale. Yet after a disastrous friendly loss against Spain and three underwhelming performances in the group stage – including a loss to Panama – the U.S. finds itself an underdog against Jamaica in Sunday’s matinee.

U.S. Coach Bob Bradley

The Yanks enter the game with negative momentum – if there’s such a thing – as critics and fans seem to concentrate on the negatives of the first round of the tournament. Unfortunately, those critics and pessimistic fans have evidence for the position: the team’s form. The U.S. has not played at a high level since the World Cup last summer. And playing against a team that’s streaking and pose significant matchup issues, the U.S. finds themselves in a tough position.

While the U.S. is reeling the Reggae Boyz are looking to get stronger. They’re the fastest team in the tournament and have some quality technical players going forward. For all their speed going forward the Jamaicans are a powerhouse in the back. Jermaine Taylor and Shavar Thomas are rocks in the middle and Donovan Rickets could be the second best ‘keeper in the tournament. It seems as though all signs are pointing to a Jamaica win.

Impact player: Ryan Johnson, Jamaica

In game where there are a number of good players on the field Johnson could be the most important. Jamaica has speed, power and flair. However, Johnson – a winger for Sporting Kansas City – is the only forward that’s shown to be a goal scorer. Can Johnson punish the U.S. center back pairing and finish the chances that Jamaica’s speed creates? The answer could decide the match.

Prediction: This is very difficult. Go with the recent form or history? History says that even though Jamaica has played better, the U.S. will find a way to buckle down and win. Form says that Jamaica’s the favorite. I’ll go with history – because I think the U.S. will finish its chances this time, but it’ll be close. Very close. U.S. wins 1-0.

El Salvador v. Panama

This is the match that many could be underestimating. Panama won group C but were far from dominant. They’ll be rested having played just five of their starters against Canada Tuesday. The combination of Blais Perez and Luis Tejada has been very good for Panama and they’ll present trouble for an El Salvador defense that showed it’s susceptible to quick attackers.

El Salvador is a plucky team with a forward who’s playing like a star. Rodolfo Zelaya has made his presence felt in the Gold Cup scoring three goals and could be one of the most dangerous players in the tournament. Around him is a cast of players who have technical skill and the ability to create on the counter. After their opening 5-0 loss against Mexico the prognosis wasn’t good. But it looks like that was a case of Mexico being really good and their following 1-1 draw against Costa Rica and 6-1 destruction of Cuba showed that.

Impact Player: Rodolfo Zelaya, El Salvador

The 22 year old Zelaya is likely on the wish list of any club that’s scouted the Gold Cup. His speed and finishing sets him apart from many other players in the tournament. If the youngster gets his chance he will make Panama pay.

Prediction: This has the potential to be an open game with lots of goals. I will bank on a talented but overshadowed El Salvador in what is a mild upset – if you throw the tournament records out. 3-1 El Salvador.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com and contributes to Soccerlens.com during the Gold Cup. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

With the Gold Cup taking a break before the quarterfinals begin Saturday afternoon there’s some down time for the teams to settle in, rest and reboot for the start of the knockout stages. For the U.S. and Mexico there’s also some player news.

The U.S. has two of their most important players on the team set to miss Thursday and Saturday training sessions to attend separate weddings this weekend. Front line attackers Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey will be away from the team to attend the nuptials of family members but will be back in time for the team’s match against Jamaica.

With their experience with the team the stars’ absence will not matter much on the field. With the team’s recent performances their break may be welcomed to recharge their batteries as the team looks to raise their level of play against a tough opponent.

While the U.S. knows they’ll be at full strength for their match Mexico still has players missing due to a failed drug test. Those five players were at UCLA to get the results of a second drug test which came back negative. The test was administered to the five players June 10 – a day after they were removed from the squad due to original failed test – but the Mexican FA has not decided the groups fate.

Now the situation will shift to the Mexican FA getting a “B” or back up sample given in May to be tested. With the investigation ongoing, it’s not clear what will happen to the five players ahead of this weekend. While everything has gone very well for El Tri they have not been able to replace the five players without a decision being made.

Whether the second test is run will likely determine the fate of the five, something the Mexican FA would likely prefer to happen sooner than later.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com and contributes to Soccerlens.com during the Gold Cup. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Eight teams are left standing in the Gold Cup. With two good matches and teams such as Mexico and Jamaica playing good football, the bracket is set up to be a good battle on one side and a battle to try and stop the freight train that is Mexico on the other. I’ll preview the latter in this post.

Mexico versus Guatemala

Keeping Mexico in check was too tall a task for any team in group A. Mexico ravaged the group scoring an impressive 14 goals and allowing just one. Being a prolific scoring team and a stingy defense is a fantastic formula and Mexico has managed to pull it off.

They’ll face a Guatemala team that’s known for breaking up play and coming up with timely goals. Against a Mexican squad that will certainly be looking to dominant the ball and continue to play with their foot on the gas, look for the Guatemalans to employ some stalling tactics while trying to break the pace of the game.

Impact Player: Andres Guardado, Mexico

While Chicharito and Giovanni Dos Santos have gotten the headlines Guardado has played a big role in organizing and initiating the team’s attack. Guradado drives the Mexican attack and if he’s given space to operate and distribute Guatemala won’t have much of a chance.

Prediction: Mexico advances easily 3-0.

Costa Rica versus Honduras

Costa Rica went through what could be a confidence killing loss against Mexico in the final group match. The match was billed as the marquee match of the group stage but ended before the half after Mexico poured on four goals. Now the Costa Ricans face a Honduras team that has the talent to be explosive and has the experience to go with it. If Costa Rica is going to be successful their stars – namely Bryan Ruiz – are going to have to step up.

Honduras entered the tournament as the favorite in group B but fell to Jamaica in the final group match 1-0 to finish second. For all their experience and talent the Catratchos have not gotten on track offensively and are not running at top gear. Like Costa Rica, Honduras needs their star players to step up in the knockout stages. A healthy Carlo Costly will help as well.

Impact Player: Jerry Bengston, Honduras

Bengston is a young energetic forward who has shown very well in the Gold Cup. The Motuaga man could be playing his way into a contract in a bigger league and a big game against the well respected Ticos will go a long way to raising his profile. The dangerous striker will be a thorn in the side of Costa Rica if they focus too much on Costly.

Prediction: This is one of the two best matches of the quarterfinals – along with USA v. Jamaica. It’s also the toughest to predict because I don’t believe we’ve seen the best from either team. If they play at top level it could be a great game. I’ll go 2-1 Honduras because I think their stars will come through.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com and contributes to Soccerlens.com during the Gold Cup. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The consensus before the Gold Cup was this Jamaican team was the best assembled in quite some time. Still they were a popular pick to finish behind Honduras in the group. Monday night the Reggae Boyz dispatched Honduras with a 1-0 victory on the back of a Ryan Johnson goal to seal the group win and set up a match against the second place team in group C – currently slated as the USA.

Sticking to a winning formula of blending speed with sharp passing and timely finishing, the Reggae Boyz capitalized on a series of passes that resulted in a Johnson bullet from 25 yards out. Johnson’s – who failed to capitalize on a second half penalty kick that would sealed the victory – goal put the Reggae Boyz on top for good.

Needing a win Honduras pushed hard to equalize but it wasn’t to be for the Catratchos who finish second in the group and will face reeling Costa Rica in the quarterfinals. The loss could be costly – no pun intended – as Carlo Costly was forced to leave the match in the first half after suffering a knock following a diving header.

For Jamaica the group stage win officially announces that the talented team is a legitimate contender. It also puts them on the opposite side of the bracket from Mexico. Without El Tri in their bracket Jamaica should be considered the favorite to reach the finale against heavily favored Mexico based on current form.

Guatemala advances

In the early game Guatemala took advantage of an overmatched Grenada, riding a standout two goal performance from Chicago Fire ace Marco Pappa to a 4-0 win. Heading into the day Guatemala was on one point and needed to win by two or more to push their goal differential above El Salvador and guarantee passage to the knockout stages.

The four goal victory did the trick as the win tied El Salvador – the third place team in group A – on four points but pushed Guatemala to a +2 goal differential. With El Salvador finishing with a -1 differential the result booked passage for Guatemala in the group stage against either the winner of group A or C.

The ramifications of the result put El Salvador’s future in jeopardy. A result for Canada and the USA would push El Salvador out of the tournament. If either team fails to earn a point El Salvador will move through and face the winner of group C while Guatemala would face Mexico in the quarterfinals.

Updated quarterfinals projection

- Costa Rica (A2) v. Honduras (B2)

- Mexico (A1) v. Guatemala (B3)/Canada (C3)*

- Jamaica (B1) v. USA (C2)

- Panama (C1) v. El Salvador (A3)/Guatemala (B3)*

* If group C third place team qualifies they’ll play Mexico while Guatemala will play Panama in the quarterfinals. If El Salvador qualifies they’ll play Panama and Guatemala will play Mexico in the quarterfinals.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com and contributes to Soccerlens.com during the Gold Cup. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

It was suppose to be the toughest test of the Gold Cup for the Mexican national team. It was suppose to be the true barometer for figuring out if El Tri is “for real.” A 4-1 win over Costa Rica should put any concerns to rest.

Mexico dominated Costa Rica en route to winning group A and in the process scored 14 goals and allowed just one in return. Costa Rica was simply over matched in every facet of the game. The Ticos lost the battle at every level and the Mexicans continued their finishing clinic putting up four first half goals; ending the game before the troops hit the locker room.

The scary thing for Mexico’s upcoming opponents is that the scoring came from new sources. Andres Guardado got going with a first

Rafael Marquez opened his Gold Cup account Sunday against Costa Rica

half brace and Pablo Barrera and Rafa Marquez added a goal apiece. With Chicharito and Giovanni Dos Santos already in great form, adding offensive options is a scary thought for opponents going forward.

From the Costa Rica point of view, Ricardo La Volpe’s – former Mexico head man – crew played Mexico well in the second half but were never able to pose an attacking challenge to the Mexican defense. For a team that was looking to make a statement and take the group, Sunday’s loss will be a tough one to take.

El Salvador makes a push for second

Before Costa Rica struggled against Mexico, El Salvador made life tough for the Ticos with a 6-1 win over Cuba. El Salvador dominated Cuba – who finished the Gold Cup with zero points giving up 16 goals – much like Mexico dominated Costa Rica which was in every facet.

Rodolfo Zelaya led El Salvador with a brace and the six goal effort gives the team welcomed hope for landing one of the two third place spots in the knockout stages. Its hope that was faint at the start of the evening.

El Salvador will have to wait until the group stage is finished to know their fate. Finishing three goals behind Costa Rica in goal differential placed El Salvador third in group A behind Mexico and the Ticos. If they do make it through they’ll play the winner of group C, which could be Panama, USA or Canada.

Final standings for group A and current group B and C standings can be found here.

Monday night group B finishes with Guatemala needing to beat Grenada by two or more goals to push past El Salvador in the third place standings and Honduras and Jamaica battling it out for first place.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com and contributes to Soccerlens.com during the Gold Cup. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News