2017 Gold Cup – Enters Semi-final Phase

The 2017 Gold Cup has entered the semi-final stage with four teams surviving from the twelve which began the biennial international men’s football championship of the North, Central American and Caribbean region organized by CONCACAF.

Here’s a snap re-cap of engagements in the previous round as we envisage battle in the final four.

Quarterfinal 1 (Costa Rica 1-0 Panama) – A game played in Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, contested by Costa Rica and Panama. The former edging an intense encounter with an unfortunate own goal recorded in the 77th minute off Godouy.

Quarterfinal 2 (United States 2-0 El Salvador) – This tie had the presence of the host, and second most successful team in the history of the tournament – United States who squared up against El Salvador, a team which qualified as one of the best two third-placed teams. Not surprised the fixture’s imbalance led the tie to be decided with two first half goals from Omar Gonzalez and Lichaj.

Quarterfinal 3 (Jamaica 2-1 Canada) – Arguably the tie of the round as both teams were evenly matched in all departments. Surprisingly, the Jamaicans got the first goal as early as the 6th minute courtesy Shaun Francis and then Romario Williams made it two in the 50th minute. Junior Hoilett scored what eventually became consolatory in the 61st minute.

Quarterfinal 4 (Mexico 1-0 Honduras) – The timing of the first goal (6mins) almost cued in a massacre but against the odds, Honduras held on for a respectable defeat against the defending champions.

Semi Final Fixtures:
Costa Rica vs United States (AT&T Stadium, Arlington)
Mexico vs Jamaica (Rose Bowl, Pasadena)

A total of 49 goals have been scored so-far in the competition (2.23 per match), with Alphonso Davies (Canada) and Kévin Parsemain (Martinique) top of the goals chart with 3 apiece.