Mexico is the favorite team to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and they will play against Group A outsider Trinidad and Tobago. The Mexicans have not lost to Trinidad and Tobago since 2005, and now they must take the 3 points.
Mexico current form
In the last 6 games of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Mexican team became the champion 4 times and reached the semifinals twice more. Not surprisingly, bookmakers now consider the team the favorite of the tournament, although there are still problems with the composition. Due to injuries the veterans Andres Guardado and Raul Jimenez did not arrive, and in this regard, the absence of Chicharito may have an impact on the team's game in the offense. Nevertheless, the Mexican roster for the Gold Cup includes many stars, including Irving Lozano, Hector Herrera, and Jesus Corona. Most of the players of the national team perform in their home competition, which has recently risen to a new level. Many players from Europe go to Mexican clubs: the recent transfer of Florian Toven to Tigres is worth mentioning.
Gerardo Martino's men lost to the United States in the final match of the CONCACAF Nations League (3-2 in extra time) and then played three sparring matches. After a 0-0 draw with Honduras, the Mexicans defeated Panama (3-0) and Nigeria (4-0). The Nigerian lineup was far from optimal: the qualifiers were representatives of their home team. Not surprisingly, from the very first minute Mexico seized the initiative and by the 5th minute took a 2-0 lead. By halftime, the team could have taken it to the break, but Lozano's long-range shot and Herrera's header were deflected by the goalkeeper. Herrera was still the main hero of the game: he scored 2 goals.
Trinidad and Tobago current form
Trinidad and Tobago have never advanced past the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the last 20 years. Yes, the team's biggest success in its history was reaching the group stage of the 2006 World Cup, but there has been little progress since then. Yes, there is a young talent like Daniel Phillips of Watford F.C., although he has yet to play for England. Even getting to U.S. clubs can be considered a success for local players. Trinidad and Tobago's team leader Kevin Molino looked good in the last MLS, but now he doesn't even make the Columbus roster. Another important player on the team, Inter Miami defender Joevin Jones, couldn't make it due to injury.
Angus Ives' side has performed well in recent official games, extending their unbeaten streak to six games. In the Gold Cup qualifiers, first defeated Montserrat 6-1, and then beat French Guiana 2-1 on penalties. Last week's meeting was uneventful, with few sharp chances. Kevin Molino hit an empty net after the ball bounced off the post, and by halftime, the goal was finally scored.
Experts betting tips
Trinidad and Tobago's recent match statistics are impressive, but their level was clearly lower than in the final stage of the Gold Cup. Even against the modest Bahamas team, Trinidad and Tobago had problems, and against French Guiana, the team had trouble creating chances. Even without Chicharito, Jimenez, and Guardado the Mexicans are two goals ahead in terms of quality and the results against Panama and Nigeria are telling. I suggest betting on the following outcomes:
- W1 for 1.055;
- Both Teams To Score - No for 1.25;
- TO (0.5) for 1.22.