2015 Gold Cup Review
Gold Cup 2015
|
|
Group
A
|
|
USA, Honduras, Panam, Haiti
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Attendance
|
Dallas Toyota Park
|
22,357
|
Gillette Stadium
|
46,720
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KC Sporting Stadium
|
18,467
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Total
|
87,544
|
Group
B
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|
Costa Rica, Canada, El Salvador, Jamaica
|
|
StubHub Carson
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22,648
|
BBVA Compass Houston
|
22,017
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BMO Field Toronto
|
16,674
|
Total
|
61,339
|
Group
C
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|
Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, T&T
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|
Chicago Soldiers Field
|
54,126
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Phoenix Stadium Arizona
|
62,910
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North Carolina
|
55,823
|
Total Group C
|
172,859
|
Total Group Att
|
321,742
|
Total Group average
|
35,749
|
Quarter Final-Baltimore
& Met Life
|
|
US v Cuba, Haiti v Jam
|
37,994
|
(Mex v CR, T&T v
Pan)
|
74,187
|
Semi-Final-Altanta
|
70,511
|
US v Jam & Pan
v Mexico
|
|
Final
Philadelphia -Mex vs Jam *
|
68,900
|
PPL Park , US v Pan*
|
12,600
|
Total Attendance
|
573,364
|
Average Att
|
40,955
|
* All games were double headers except thes
| |
There was a good deal of media
attention from the US market leading up to the 2015 Gold Cup. The winner was to play the winner of the 2013
Gold Cup (USA) for the right to represent CONCACAF in the 2017 Confederations
Cup Russia. There would again be 13 cities however 14 venues, there would be a
3rd place match at PPL Park the day before the final. There was also the decision
to guarantee only 4 slots each to Central America and the Caribbean. The final
slot was decided by a playoff between the 5th CA nation (Honduras) vs
the 5th place Caribbean nation (French Guiana).
The final would be played in Philly for first time. Canada
would also be hosting a game that the Canadian National team would be playing
in. Canada's Group B again would play in all Soccer Specific Stadiums (SSS). The USA
group A would again have 2 SSS and one big venue. Mexico as always had the task
to fill the largest stadiums, which they did. Mexico’s again had the best
attendance, just about doubling that of the USA group attendance. Group B was only
slightly behind the USA but respectable. Total attendance I recorded at 573,364 (I only count
double headers once-CONCACAF counts the same person twice, which is a joke).
This is the second best attendance in the history of the Gold Cup. So CONCACAF officials can say, the Gold Cup is improving every tournament.
There were some problems with this Gold Cup. Michael Bradley
spoke out about playing so many games with only 2 rest in between. One day was
use to fly from one state to another. This really taxed the players. Cuba again
had players defecting during the tournament, which really diminished their
team. Jamaica players were not getting paid and almost boycotted games. There
was grass laid over artificial turf which both the media and team officials complained
about behind closed doors.
This tournament had many surprises and
controversies. First Mexico won
their 7th Gold Cup after stumbling and bumbling in the group stage.
They also beat Costa Rica and Panama in AET. Both games Mexico received
favorable and very questionable calls that led to penalty kick that resulted in
goals. These goals assured Mexico the victories. Never the less Mexico wins
another gold Cup.
Jamaica is the only Caribbean nation to
reach the final for the first time. Jamaica had played in the Copa America the
month before, which really sharpened their play. Jamaica also won their group
of Costa Rica, Canada and El Salvador with 7 points. Jamaica then went on to
beat Haiti and stun the USA in the Semi-finals 2-1. No other Caribbean nation
has beaten the USA in the Gold Cup. Jamaica had a great tournament and we will
look forward to them in the Copa America 2016.
Panama also had a tournament of first. This year they were undefeated in group play tying all 3
games. Panama then went on to beat group C winner Trinidad & Tobago. This
set up a very controversial game against Mexico. The feeling was Mexico was
going to get the call and just like previous tournaments, a controversial
called was made. The Panama player dove backwards on top of the ball, which he
should have never done. Greir, the ref whistled for a hand ball, which was I
though was too harsh, since I did not see the hand ball. The Panama players
accosted the refs, debris of liquids bottles came toppling down from the
Mexican fans on top of the Panama players. This was the UGLY of CONCACAF soccer.
Panama did play in the 3rd place game and finally beat the USA, in a
penalty shoot out.
The USA wound up in 4th
place-their worst showing ever. The USA team never really jelled. Klinsmann
wanted to keep possession and move the ball to open lanes. The problem was USA
MF did not have a dribbler to penetrate the final 3rd. USA FW were
fine, Dempsey won the most goals with 7. The problem was Klinsmann is building
for World Cup 2018. The is only 1 year after the World Cup and Klinnsy played a
very young team. He also played Michael Bradley too much. What is to much….well
every game is to much. The USA can still redeem themselves against Mexico October
9, 2015 in the Rose Bowl. The winner gets to go to the 2017 Confederations Cup.
Trinidad and Tobago had their second
best Gold Cup (2000 they placed 3rd) winning a group C for the first
time. Not only did they win their group, they finally gain a point against
Mexico. This group game was the most entertaining which saw 8 goals scored 4-4.
T&T will now play Haiti the 3rd seed for one of the 2 final
spots for Copa America Centenario 2016. Date will probably be in the Fall.
Haiti placed 7th and will play T&T in a playoff for a Copa America
Centrino spot. This will guarantee that at least 2 Caribbean nations will
participate in this tournament.
This was
an outstanding tournament for the Caribbean nations. First there were 2 nations
(Jamaica and T&T) who won their groups. It was also the first time a
Caribbean nation reached the final (Jamaica). All 4 Caribbean nations advanced
to the knockout round for the first time ever while 3 of the 5 Central American
nations did not advance. Cuba placed 8th but it was
good enough to get them to a playoff against Panama for the other Copa American
Centrino.
