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The 2023 Gold Cup begins with an entertaining clash between USA and Jamaica on June 24th at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
The USMNT are coming into the tournament as
reigning champions, after defeating Mexico 1-0 in the 2021 final to lift the
trophy. Now, interim manager B.J. Callaghan, who will remain as head coach for
the duration of the Gold Cup, will attempt to lead his side to consecutive
titles.
Jamaica and head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson,
on the other hand, enter the tournament seeking revenge against the US after
their 1-0 quarterfinal defeat in the 2021 tournament. The Carribbean side will
be a tough test for USA as they welcome Demarai Gray after he switched his
international allegiance from England to the Reggae Boyz.
The two countries have met 31 times dating back to 1988, with the USA leads the all-time series 19-3-3. The last time they experienced defeat against Jamaica was in 2019, during an international friendly, 1-0. Will USA triumph over Jamaica for the 20th time, or will the Reggae Boyz take control of Group A with an upset?
USA team news
B.J Callaghan had star-studded lineups in
the Nations League final and semifinal that included the likes of Christian
Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Folarin Balogun. But those players are
now preparing for pre-season with their clubs, forcing Callaghan to lead a much
different squad in this Concacaf tournament.
Beyond Matt Turner, who returns to the camp
as the No. 1 goalkeeper, it is an MLS-heavy roster for the American side as
Cristian Roldan, Aidan Morris, Jesus Ferreira lead the way. Jordan Morris,
DeAndre Yedlin, Cade Cowell, Brandon Vazquez, and Alex Zendejas will also form
part of this Gold Cup side in an attempt to win the trophy.
USA are riding a six-game unbeaten streak and look to make it seven straight against Jamaica.
Jamaica team news
Andre Blake will be in between the posts
for Jamaica as he closes in on 60 appearances for them in all competitions. The
potential front three of Demarai Gray, Michail Antonio, and Leon Bailey could
pose a threat for USA's backline with their pace and skill.
Antonio has scored three goals for Jamaica
in seven appearances after making the one-time switch from England in 2021,
while Bailey has managed three goals in 19 games played. It will be interesting
to see what those two can do with Gray up front in the Everton player's debut
for the Carribbean nation.
Following their Nations League exit in
March, Jamaica has since played Qatar, who are also competing in the Gold Cup
for a second time, and Jordan in tune-up friendlies. Jamaica were unable to win
in either games, losing 2-1 twice. The Reggae Boyz hope to find the same magic
that helped them knock off USA back in 2015 to set the tone early on.
Prediction
On paper, USA has the more balanced squad,
but Jamaica's attacking unit should be able to create some chances to keep them
in the game if they receive enough service. Things could get tricky for USA,
especially if they are without Miles Robinson.
USA's forwards are still top-class, though.
Together, they should be able to create plenty of chances against the Jamaica
defense between Morris, Ferreira, Roldan, and Vazquez, but getting past Blake
might be difficult. However, USA should have enough quality to overcome Jamaica
in Matchday one of the Gold Cup.
Prediction: USA 2 - Jamaica 1
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