Chris Wondolowski earned a hat-trick in a 6-1 mauling of Belize
Jeld-Wen Field, the home of the Portland Timbers, took center stage in Gold Cup action Tuesday night as Costa Rica took on Cuba and the USA took on Belize, who were playing in their first ever Gold Cup match. The results of both of these matches were predictable, as the Group C favorites avoided the pitfalls that hit Mexico and Canada on Sunday.
The first match between Costa Rica and Cuba wasn't quite a sparkling affair, but Cuba certainly had a lot to play for as they came in winless in their last 11 Gold Cup matches. Costa Rica controlled the match with 68% possession and did not allow a single corner kick for Cuba. The Ticos left it late though, not scoring until Michael Barrantes netted in the 51st minute. Jairo Arrieta of the Columbus Crew scored in the 71st, and Barrantes completed his brace in the 77th minute to make the full time score 3-0. Of interest to RSL fans, Alvaro Saborio started for the Ticos and played 79 minutes, coming out after the final goal was scored.
The nightcap in Portland featured the opening match of the tournament for the United States as they took on Gold Cup newbies Belize. The Stars and Stripes were riding high after blasting Guatemala 6-0 in a friendly before the tournament and looked to inflict more goals on Belize. They did just that. It was a Tahitiesque performance from Belize, even though they did manage to sneak in a goal off a blown coverage in the first half. However Chris Wondolowski scored a first half hat-trick, including one off of a fine ball from Kyle Beckerman, to make the half time score 3-1.
The USA didn't look back in the second as Stu Holden came in for Beckerman and gave the team a more offensive minded approach. He scored in the in the 58th minute, and Michael Orozco added another in the 72nd. Landon Donovan added a PK goal in the 76th minute to complete the destruction and make the full time result 6-1. It was a impressive performance from the USA, especially on offense. The defense wasn't tested much, but to me they still looked a little less than solid, especially on the blown mark that led to the goal.
A shadow has been cast over this match though, and maybe over the tournament as a whole. That shadow is the one cast by international betting and match fixing. According to 7 News Belize, 3 players, including their goalkeeper, were approached by a man in Guatemala offering them money to throw the match. The players have said that they did not accept the advances, but it does make one wonder about the result.
Group C continues on Saturday at Rio Tinto Stadium as the USA face Cuba and Costa Rica will take on the aforementioned Belize. I'll be there, and you can be too! Tickets are still available!
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