Goal's Jon Arnold takes a look at the Gold Cup's toughest group, getting expert analysis on each country's expectations, omissions and controversies.
Welcome to the first of Goal's three Gold Cup expert previews. We're getting an inside view on each team in the Gold Cup from the people who know them best.
It's silly to say there's a group of death in the Gold Cup, but there's no doubt that Group A is the most difficult. Three of the four teams were semifinalists in the last edition of the Gold Cup, and you have to go back to 2007 to find a tournament where that wasn't the case. As you'll see from our experts, expectations continue to rise for all four Group A teams.
United States
Manager: Jurgen Klinsmann
Best finish: Champion: 1991, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013
Most recent finish: Champion, 2013
Best finish: Champion: 1991, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013
Most recent finish: Champion, 2013
JA: Who is the best player on the team?
David Sakata: This might be a tricky question. Panama does not have a "Messi." This team relies on its backbone: [LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime] Penedo, [defender] Roman Torres, [midfielders Anibal] Godoy and [Gabriel] Gomez in midfield and Blas [Perez] or [Luis] Tejada in attack.
David Sakata: This might be a tricky question. Panama does not have a "Messi." This team relies on its backbone: [LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime] Penedo, [defender] Roman Torres, [midfielders Anibal] Godoy and [Gabriel] Gomez in midfield and Blas [Perez] or [Luis] Tejada in attack.
Who is the most important player from a tactics standpoint?
This answer goes along with what was previously stated. Regardless of the recent changes in coaching staff, those players maintain their status and position on the national team. In the end, I would split this answer between Torres and Godoy. Torres on defense is the leader and the one puts everyone in order, plus is the leading voice of the team. And Godoy in midfield is someone who can shoot from outside the box or break defenses with a pass.
This answer goes along with what was previously stated. Regardless of the recent changes in coaching staff, those players maintain their status and position on the national team. In the end, I would split this answer between Torres and Godoy. Torres on defense is the leader and the one puts everyone in order, plus is the leading voice of the team. And Godoy in midfield is someone who can shoot from outside the box or break defenses with a pass.
Will any key players be missing because of injury or other reason?
The standout name here is Felipe Baloy. The long-time captain of Panama's MNT was not called for this tournament, this was a coaching decision regarding the recent Atlas player. Rolando Escobar, recent FC Dallas signee, is also out of the Gold Cup team for technical reasons. Roberto Chen, who made the team, only lasted two days in camp and was sidelined because of an injury. He is in a recovery process from a previous injury.
The standout name here is Felipe Baloy. The long-time captain of Panama's MNT was not called for this tournament, this was a coaching decision regarding the recent Atlas player. Rolando Escobar, recent FC Dallas signee, is also out of the Gold Cup team for technical reasons. Roberto Chen, who made the team, only lasted two days in camp and was sidelined because of an injury. He is in a recovery process from a previous injury.
What are the expectations for the team in the Gold Cup?
The voice from inside the team is that they play for the championship. The expectation is that the team makes it to Philadelphia, meaning they make it to semis regardless of the outcome in the semifinal game. Panama has knocked on the door of greatness twice in this tournament. The time is due for the team to lift a trophy.
The voice from inside the team is that they play for the championship. The expectation is that the team makes it to Philadelphia, meaning they make it to semis regardless of the outcome in the semifinal game. Panama has knocked on the door of greatness twice in this tournament. The time is due for the team to lift a trophy.
Are there any controversies surrounding the team?
Unfortunately there are. Besides the absence of Baloy, which raises questions, there also were incidents with the media because of rumors after the Ecuador - Panama game. Supposedly, there was brawl between some players, something that was denied by coaching staff and the players. Because of this "Bolillo" [Panama's manager} decided to start working behind closed doors and only giving access to media twice per week. Panama's coach has said that his main objective is to make it to the World Cup, but media and general public want both World Cup qualification, and for the coach to say, 'We will win this Gold Cup.'
Unfortunately there are. Besides the absence of Baloy, which raises questions, there also were incidents with the media because of rumors after the Ecuador - Panama game. Supposedly, there was brawl between some players, something that was denied by coaching staff and the players. Because of this "Bolillo" [Panama's manager} decided to start working behind closed doors and only giving access to media twice per week. Panama's coach has said that his main objective is to make it to the World Cup, but media and general public want both World Cup qualification, and for the coach to say, 'We will win this Gold Cup.'
JA's take: As you can see from David's answers, expectations are sky high for Panama, and the team will be eager to meet the expectations the fans and media have for it. This is still mostly a veteran group with some of the young, promising talents coming through. They're also experiencing some of the growing pains that go along with being a national team in the spotlight. But even if baseball still reigns in Panama, there's a reason this team is continuing to improve. This tournament is a big chance to show it belongs in CONCACAF's upper echelon.
Haiti
Manager: Marc Collat
Best finish: Quarterfinals: 2002, 2009
Most recent finish: Fourth place in Group B, 2013
Best finish: Quarterfinals: 2002, 2009
Most recent finish: Fourth place in Group B, 2013
JA: Who is the best player on the team?
Nathan Carr: 22-year-old attacking midfielder Jeff Louis, who plays for Standard Liege in Belgium, is a key component in attack. Explosive and creative, if a little temperamental at times, he enjoyed an impressive 2013 tournament and will be looking to reproduce that type of form this time around. Very few defenders can afford to give Louis half a yard; he will take full advantage.
Nathan Carr: 22-year-old attacking midfielder Jeff Louis, who plays for Standard Liege in Belgium, is a key component in attack. Explosive and creative, if a little temperamental at times, he enjoyed an impressive 2013 tournament and will be looking to reproduce that type of form this time around. Very few defenders can afford to give Louis half a yard; he will take full advantage.
Who is the most important player?
As the old saying goes: goals win football matches. Therefore Haiti’s main striker Kervens Belfort will be relied upon to deliver the goods. Having won the Golden Boot award alongside Darren Mattocks and Kevin Molino at last year’s Caribbean Cup with three goals, his international record of seven goals in 15 matches means he averages roughly a goal every other game.
As the old saying goes: goals win football matches. Therefore Haiti’s main striker Kervens Belfort will be relied upon to deliver the goods. Having won the Golden Boot award alongside Darren Mattocks and Kevin Molino at last year’s Caribbean Cup with three goals, his international record of seven goals in 15 matches means he averages roughly a goal every other game.
Will any key players be missing because of injury or other reason?
Generally, the squad is in good condition. It already has played two friendlies last week against Tampa Bay Rowdies A and B, amassing a 10-3 win on aggregate. On Friday, the team faced Trinidad & Tobago in another warm-up friendly in Fort Lauderdale. Sporting Kansas City’s Soni Mustivar is missing as he’s reportedly considering international retirement just two years after making his debut for Haiti. The player has not given a reason why. Finally, Sony Norde might not be available because of a visa issue the Haitian FA is working to fix.
Generally, the squad is in good condition. It already has played two friendlies last week against Tampa Bay Rowdies A and B, amassing a 10-3 win on aggregate. On Friday, the team faced Trinidad & Tobago in another warm-up friendly in Fort Lauderdale. Sporting Kansas City’s Soni Mustivar is missing as he’s reportedly considering international retirement just two years after making his debut for Haiti. The player has not given a reason why. Finally, Sony Norde might not be available because of a visa issue the Haitian FA is working to fix.
What is the team expected to do in the Gold Cup? What would be considered success?
Given the fact it failed to reach the knockout phase last time out, Les Grenadiers will be hoping to engineer a way out of Group A. If they can achieve that, then most Haitian supporters would consider a quarterfinal spot a success.
Given the fact it failed to reach the knockout phase last time out, Les Grenadiers will be hoping to engineer a way out of Group A. If they can achieve that, then most Haitian supporters would consider a quarterfinal spot a success.
Are there any controversies surrounding the team?
According to Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste, the technical staff had to leave behind the small inconvenience of lost luggage upon arrival in the U.S., because of a ‘small grain of sand in the machine preparation.' Apart from that little blip, everything seems to be running smoothly. Haiti’s past downfall has been its inability to prepare, leaving everything until the last moment, but that doesn’t appear the case here. The players have been in training since June 22, and by the time they board their flight to Dallas – where they meet Panama in Group A’s opener – Haiti will have played three preparatory matches. This more professional and serious approach to the competition will surely stand it in good stead.
According to Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste, the technical staff had to leave behind the small inconvenience of lost luggage upon arrival in the U.S., because of a ‘small grain of sand in the machine preparation.' Apart from that little blip, everything seems to be running smoothly. Haiti’s past downfall has been its inability to prepare, leaving everything until the last moment, but that doesn’t appear the case here. The players have been in training since June 22, and by the time they board their flight to Dallas – where they meet Panama in Group A’s opener – Haiti will have played three preparatory matches. This more professional and serious approach to the competition will surely stand it in good stead.
JA's take: Poor Haiti is on the up and up but has been drawn into a group with the two previous finalists plus a Honduras team that barely made this tournament but has been to the previous two World Cups. Louis and Belfort are true attacking talents, but the team might not have the cohesion - or defense - to hang with the other teams in the group.
Honduras
Manager: Jorge Luis Pinto
Best finish: Runner up, 1991
Most recent finish: Semifinals, 2013
Manager: Jorge Luis Pinto
Best finish: Runner up, 1991
Most recent finish: Semifinals, 2013
JA: Who is the best player on the team?
Marco Aguilar: Despite his youth, it's Andy Najar. He's the Honduran playing abroad who is in the best form, and they're resting a lot of hopes on him.
Marco Aguilar: Despite his youth, it's Andy Najar. He's the Honduran playing abroad who is in the best form, and they're resting a lot of hopes on him.
Who is the most important player from a tactics standpoint?
I can't pick just one, but it seems to me that the defensive line is the most important. Pinto has worked really will with a defense that was a weakness with [previous manager] Luis Suarez and today it looks to be very strong. Maynor Figueroa is the leader.
I can't pick just one, but it seems to me that the defensive line is the most important. Pinto has worked really will with a defense that was a weakness with [previous manager] Luis Suarez and today it looks to be very strong. Maynor Figueroa is the leader.
Will any key players be missing because of injury or other reason?
Emilio Izaguirre, the federation along with the coaching staff decided he will return to Celtic to contest the qualification phase of the Champions League. [Carlo] Costly and [Jerry] Bengtson as well, one for being inactive and the other for poor performance.
Emilio Izaguirre, the federation along with the coaching staff decided he will return to Celtic to contest the qualification phase of the Champions League. [Carlo] Costly and [Jerry] Bengtson as well, one for being inactive and the other for poor performance.
What are expectations for the team?
I think getting to the semifinals would be a huge achievement. It's a young national team that Pinto is building. The majority of the team is young players.
Are there any controversies surrounding the team?
No, on the contrary, it's a team that arrives with a lot of motivation and with a great manager who is showing the good work he's done.
I think getting to the semifinals would be a huge achievement. It's a young national team that Pinto is building. The majority of the team is young players.
Are there any controversies surrounding the team?
No, on the contrary, it's a team that arrives with a lot of motivation and with a great manager who is showing the good work he's done.
JA's take: Honduras is the one team in this group I would say is definitely getting worse. Jorge Luis Pinto has a tall task in front of him, with no real forward options and an aging back line. He's responded by shifting to a 4-5-1 to take advantage of the glut of defensive midfielders he has. But, as Marco said, there will be so much pressure on Andy Najar to create any attack for los Catrachos, and it won't be easy against the U.S. or Panama.
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