Gold Cup: Canada draws Jamaica after odd opening

As CONCACAF competitions tend to be, the Gold Cup group stage was a strange little rodeo.

French Guiana fielded an ineligible player, knowing full well it would forfeit the match (and subsequently get hit by sanctions).

Honduras advanced despite failing to score; its three “goals” were awarded through French Guiana’s forfeit.

The United States relinquished a two-goal lead in the second half to lightly regarded Martinique, but won anyway. Mexico laboured to beat Curacao. The tournament’s leading scorers with three goals apiece were Canada’s 16-year-old Alphonso Davies (a forward for the Vancouver Whitecaps) and Kevin Parseman, Martinican who was briefly a Seattle Sounder.

The U.S. matches (Nashville, Tampa, Cleveland) drew an average of 32,975. Mexico’s games (San Diego, Denver, San Antonio) attracted 48,829. Well, that’s not so strange.

Wednesday in Philadelphia, it’s Costa Rica vs. Panama followed by the United States vs. El Salvador.

On Thursday, Canada takes on Jamaica (7:30 p.m.), with Mexico vs. Honduras to follow.

The Philadelphia winners will meet in Saturday’s semifinal in Arlington, Texas. The Glendale winners will play Sunday in Pasadena, Calif. The final is next Wednesday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

If the quarter-finals and semifinals are tied after 90 minutes, the match will proceed directly to penalty kicks. The final will, if necessary, utilize 30 minutes of extra time before turning to penalties. Teams are afforded one additional sub during extra time.

The U.S. boasts a 16-match unbeaten streak against El Salvador since 1993 (13-0-3). Four years ago, the Americans won 5-1 in a Gold Cup quarter-final in Baltimore.