Canada is in deep trouble after a day one shock (TheStar.com)
The 2013 edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup opened yesterday in Pasadena, California at the Rose Bowl. If God Cup Brackets were a thing, a few would probably already be be busted, much to the chagrin of a couple of familiar USA opponents.
Canada took to the pitch first against Caribbean side Martinique. Martinique are a French territory, and are not FIFA eligible, so this is the highest tournament they can compete in, and they came to compete. Canada, on the other hand, looked positively awful. Their midfield looked absolutely puzzled most of the time and the defense looked largely inept, often clearing the ball right to a Martinique attacker. For their part, Martinique looked solid both in the midfield and at the back, their main problem being that they couldn't finish despite outplaying Canada for much of the match.
Still in the end it looked like Canada might escape with an all important point. The triple digit heat looked to be wearing on players from both sides as second half stoppage time dawned with the match still scoreless. However, in the 93rd minute Fabrice Reuperne smacked a gorgeous shot from near the top of the box into the net, leaving the Canadian GK helpless and securing a famous win for Martinique, who previously only had one Gold Cup win on their resume.
The second game was a bit of as shocker too as Mexico fell to Panama. Now, I don't think this was as big a shock as the Martinique vs Canada match. Panama has shown that they have a capable side despite their deplorable diving and time wasting tactics. The question was going to be if Mexico would actually show up after failing to impress both in the Hex and the Confederations Cup.
The answer was, not really. Panama jumped on El Tri after earning a PK in the 7th minute, which Gabriel Torres just managed to slip by the Mexican 'keeper to give Panama the 1-0 lead. Mexico would have it's own moments in the first half though, looking as good as they probably have in recent weeks. They equalized in first half stoppage time when Marco Fabian brought down a Isreal Hernandez and crossed and clinically finished to tie the score going into the locker room.
Panama had the last laugh though when Torres scored again in the 48th minute. He managed to just slot a ball inside the near post after a nice ball from Alberto Quintero to make it 2-1. In the end, the Mexico attack degraded into bad passing and carelessness and they were not able to find a second equalizer, handing Panama the three points.
Next the group heads up to Seattle where Mexico will play Canada and Panama will take on Martinique. The second matchday figures to be a must win for both Canada and Mexico. Panama will get Blas Perez for their next match, and a win over Martinique would put them in the group driver's seat.
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