Gold Cup: Latest Odds, Expert Predictions, Semifinals Schedule
Four teams remain in the Gold Cup and almost everything has gone to plan for the pre-tournament favorites so far.
However, while both Mexico and the U.S. men's national team (USMNT) have made it to the semifinals, neither has looked particularly impressive.
El Tri breezed through the group stages, scoring 13 goals in the process, but needed a penalty shootout to have the better of Costa Rica in the quarterfinals.
Mexico will nevertheless be the favorite against Haiti on Tuesday night, as it looks to book a spot in the final for the first time since 2015. At 2-0 down, Les Grenadiers looked dead and buried against Canada in the quarterfinals but came back to win 3-2 and qualify for the semifinals for the first time in its history.
The other semifinal pits USMNT against fellow co-host Jamaica, in a rematch of the 2017 final, which the Americans won 2-1. The defending champions were efficient but not spectacular during the group stages but were nowhere near their best against Curacao.
Weston McKennie's goal separated the two sides but USMNT will have to be a lot better against Jamaica, who has largely flown under the radar so far in the tournament and is looking to reach a third consecutive Gold Cup final.
What the experts say
"It is plain to see that the U.S. relies on Pulisic in attack, and the new Chelsea man will once again be tasked with creating chances against the Reggae Boyz. Whether it will be enough to find a way past Blake and a strong back four is another matter."
Brian Straus—Sports Illustrated
"A performance like this [the one against Curacao] won't be good enough against Jamaica, which now has the experience of two consecutive Gold Cup finals under its belt, and which defeated the USA in a pre-Gold Cup friendly. Jamaica's players have the technical ability and confidence to exploit mistakes that Curaçao couldn't take advantage of to the fullest extent."
Christopher Simpson—Bleacher Report
"Team USA have not conceded at all at the tournament, though, while Jamaica have found the net just twice in their last three matches. It's likely to be a close game, but the strength of the U.S. defence should see them through."
Jackson Statz—The Philadelphia Inquirer
"The U.S. team has reason to expect a greater challenge against Jamaica, which the Americans beat, 2-1, to win the 2017 Gold Cup. That said, Berhalter's team has scored 12 goals and allowed none in this year's Gold Cup, and Jamaica has netted just five and given up three."
"Haiti is the type of team that tends to cause Mexico problems and [Mexico coach Gerardo] Martino will be looking to cut out the error that saw Martinique only lose 3-2 in the group stage and Costa Rica tie 1-1 over the 120 minutes of the quarterfinal."
Updated odds
A 27/20 favorite before the tournament, Mexico remains the bookmakers' choice to lift the Gold Cup at 4/5, followed by USMNT at 28/17, while Jamaica and Haiti are at 12/1 and 25/1 respectively.
Semifinals schedule (All times ET)
Tuesday, July 2
- Haiti vs Mexico—10:30 p.m., Fox Sports 1
Wednesday, July 3
- Jamaica vs U.S.A.—9:30 p.m., Fox Sports 1
