After a perfect 3-0 finish in the group stage of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the United States takes on Jamaica in the quarterfinals. This is a rematch of the final of the 2017 Gold Cup. The United States is determined to win the Gold Cup for the seventh time.
The United States easily topped their group with wins against Haiti, Martinique, and Canada. The big names like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Giovanni Reyna, and Josh Sargent are not on the squad this tournament. For the USA, this is an opportunity to give the other names experience to build for the future. In addition, the big names will be needed for the USA’s World Cup qualifying campaign which begins in September. Regardless, they came into this tournament as favorites.
The United States extended their unbeaten streak in Gold Cup group stage matches to 16 games (14-0-2) following their 1-0 win Sunday.
The US improved to 4-0-1 in Gold Cup meetings vs Canada pic.twitter.com/GBW2o3Y0H6
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 18, 2021
Last month, the United States triumphed in the CONCACAF Nations League tournament. They would go on to defeat Mexico in the final, thus securing the title. That’s only their first step in upgrading their strength and mentality for the future. If they can manage to win the Gold Cup, it’ll be another major accomplishment. At this point, the United States is not only building to book a spot in next year’s World Cup in Qatar. The United States is looking to have a fully-strengthed, experienced, and disciplined squad for the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host. They have a long way to go, but they seem to be going in the right direction. In the USA’s case, it’s about avenging their failure to qualify for the World Cup in Russia in 2018.
The United States comes in as the favorite against Jamaica. Regardless, the United States knows they need to be ready for anything. In 2015, the United States suffered an upset loss against Jamaica in the semi-finals. Anything can happen. The two will square off on Sunday and the winner goes on to face either El Salvador or Qatar.
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
