Mexico blazed out of the blocks with a 6-0 victory over Cuba in their first game of the 2015 Gold Cup. Already, though, he Mexicans have blown their incredible start by registering a drab 0-0 against Guatemala earn on Monday morning (UK time).
Trinidad & Tobago took advantage of that slipup and currently top group C at Mexico’s expense. They started their tournament with a 3-1 win against Guatemala, which was followed by a 2-0 win versus Cuba. Trinidad & Tobago have taken six points from a possible six, placing them two ahead of Mexico in second.
Expectations
Mexico played with one of their strongest sides against Guatemala, so it’s surprising that they could not beat a side currently ranked by FIFA as 105th in the world. They will be especially disappointed that Oribe Peralta failed to score after netting three times against Cuba.
Although close to South America, Mexico are only ever invited as guests to the Copa America. Generally, they play against less challenging teams, and that can count against them, often resulting against slipups where they should have won. They are better than Trinidad & Tobago, but they won’t necessarily play better.
Most Trinidad & Tobago players are with clubs situated outside of their domestic league, but the current crop is not brimming with familiar names. Only two players entered the Gold Cup with more than 50 international caps: goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams and striker Kenwyne Jones.
Jones never quite lived up to the potential he was said to possess, moving on to play for various English sides. After playing for Sunderland, Stoke City, and Cardiff City, he will begin the new Premier League season with Bournemouth. However, Jones has yet to get off the mark in the Gold Cup, which could increase pressure on his teammates.
Match Tips
Tip one: Draw @ 5.00
Tip two: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.85
Mexico were extremely weak in the Copa America, and they have not been much better in the Gold Cup. Going up against the extremely Trinidad & Tobago makes a draw at 5.00 an excellent prospect.
