As expected, the US and Mexico have reached the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2015, joined by Jamaica and Panama, in the last four of the Gold Cup.
The US have been invincible as they have not lost a single game in the competition after finishing at the top in Group A, which included Haiti, Panama and Honduras. This group was said to be the toughest among all and the US turned triumphant against two teams, while the home team were held to a 1-1 draw against Panama.
Yet, the performance of the US was not up to the mark as their home fans would have wanted, because they won their matches with one goal margin only in the round robin matches.
But the US answered critics with a strong performance against Cuba in the quarter-final, thrashing 6 goals past their opponents. Hence, they are bound to feel confident when they take on Jamaica in the last four of the Gold Cup.
Jamaica are aware of the tough task that lies ahead of them in their semi-final on 22 July at Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Jamaica also topped their group, which consisted of Costa Rica, who was the highest ranked FIFA team in the competition, Canada and El Salvador.
After holding Costa Rica to 2-2 draw, Jamaica are a confident unit as their defense has also stood up to the task, not conceding even one goal after their competition opener. The mighty US team are going to test the Jamaicans to the hilt.
The second semi-final on 22 July will be played between Mexico and Panama with the former expected to progress in the finals of the competition.
Mexico's performance in the group stage was less than satisfactory as they managed to defeat Cuba only and drew against Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago.
Mexico defeated Costa Rica in the quarter-finals of Gold Cup to set up a date with Panama in the semi-finals. If they play to their potential, Mexico should not have much trouble in reaching the finals.
Panama defeated Trinidad and Tobago in the quarter-final. If Panama defeats Mexico, it is going to a huge achievement for them.
Gold Cup 2015 Semi Final Schedule
Semi Final 1 – United States vs Jamaica
Date – 22 July
Venue - Georgia Dome in Atlanta
Time – 6pm ET (3:30am IST)
Semi Final 1 – Mexico vs Panama
Date – 22 July
Venue - Georgia Dome in Atlanta
Time – 9pm ET (6:30am IST)