The 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup is hotting up and defending champions USA will meet neighbours and fellow host nation Canada in the quarter-finals of the competition at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati.
Key Takeaways
- Both sides are unbeaten in the competition thus far in what is a repeat of the CONCACAF Nations League final played earlier this summer
- Stars and Stripes forward Jesus Ferreira has been electric during the group stage and has scored back-to-back hat-tricks
- Canada found their first win of the competition over Cuba last time out to secure their spot in the knockouts
Seven-time champions USA made fairly easy work of Group A as they head into the quarter-finals. Interim coach B.J. Callaghan is aiming to guide the Stars and Stripes to back-to-back Gold Cup titles. Canada will be hoping to at least match their semi-final finish at the 2021 tournament but do not have a favourable draw here after finishing as runners-up of Group D.
USA Form
A disappointing start to the Gold Cup for the USA saw them drop points in their opener against Jamaica. However, they have been nothing but brilliant ever since, despite going up against weaker opposition. The USA are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
Two 6-0 victories have followed to finish their Group A fixtures as they put both Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago to the sword. That was enough to ensure they secured top spot, even though they finished level on points with Jamaica.
Canada Form
The Canucks are paying the price for not topping Group D at this year’s tournament as they were beaten to it by Guatemala. John Herdman’s men are unbeaten in the competition but dropped points in their opening two matches. That started off with a 2-2 draw with Guadeloupe, before sharing the points in a 0-0 stalemate with Guatemala.
However, they secured a vital 4-2 win against Cuba in their final group match to wrap up their spot in the quarter-finals. That means they have a tough task against the USA now, though, instead of facing what would have been considered a somewhat easier matchup against Jamaica.
Head-to-Head
Encounters between the USA and Canada have been close affairs of late. The Stars and Stripes recorded a 2-0 win when they last met back in June in the CONCACAF Nations League final which will give them a huge psychological advantage heading into this one. However, Canada picked up a 2-0 win themselves in the clash prior, played back in January of last year in World Cup qualification.
Team News
B. J. Callahan has had to deal with a couple of departures from his squad as Aidan Morris was granted permission to leave the team due to personal reasons prior to their last match against Trinidad & Tobago. Fellow midfielder Alan Sonora wasn’t able to feature last time out either since he has picked up a hamstring injury. Forward Jordan Morris has been forced to train individually so his inclusion is in question.
Canadian defender Moise Bombito was forced off in the first half against Cuba last time out so he is in doubt here. Goalkeeper Milan Borjan, who started the first two matches for the Canucks, has picked up an injury which saw Dayne St. Clair come into the side for the final group match.
Key Players
Ferreira has grabbed all the headlines at the Gold Cup as he managed to bag consecutive hat-tricks in the 6-0 wins over Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago. He is currently leading the way atop the goalscoring charts in the tournament with six.
Junior Hoilett managed to find his first goal of the tournament in the win over Cuba but the 33-year-old has also managed to provide two assists as well. Midfielder Jonathan Osorio is one to watch and also found the back of the net last time out.
How to watch on TV or Online
Those in the UK who wish to watch the Gold Cup quarter-final action between the USA and Canada can do so on Viaplay Sports 2.
Final Thoughts
The USA are favourites for the win here and could easily go all the way. They look in much better shape than Canada and, despite both sides going unbeaten in the tournament thus far, it is the Stars and Stripes who are in better nick. The Canucks will have to try and stop an affluent attack with a defence that has been far from impressive.
Gold Cup