After Saturday's matches, some separation between the top two teams in each group and the bottom two can be seen. After a pause of three days, the top teams have an opportunity to close in on a Hexagonal place while the rest must regroup and find a way back in the race.
Group A
USA vs. Trinidad & Tobago: The USA's scoring problems are well-known, but nevertheless they have managed to scrape together two away wins. T&T have never managed to put up much of a challenge on American soil, and the loss of five first-choice players will make their task even more difficult. USA to win and all but clinch a place in the Hexagonal.
Guatemala vs. Cuba: Guatemala should enjoy a comfortable victory. Well, the Guatemalans better finish this game with three points if they want to keep pace with T&T. I just can't see the Cubans being competitive in this match.
Group B
Honduras vs. Jamaica: It's been said that Jamaica need to win to stay in the chase for a Hexagonal place. While the Reggae Boyz would want three points, a point would also work although it would leave them with no room for error in their home matches. Honduras have played better on the road than at home, and they need to keep their heads in the game. It looks like they will have their first-choice XI on the field (or very close to it), so they have no excuses. I say that Honduras will find a way to win because of their attacking talent, but nerves will kick in if they hit the woodwork a couple of times.
Mexico vs. Canada: Mexico's last home match of the semifinal round, and they elected to play it in Chiapas. Ostensibly the match was placed there because of the hot and steamy conditions, but thunderstorms are expected by kickoff (you can view a weather forecast here). It's a dangerous gamble for Mexico; Canada need three points in the worst way and won't have to struggle in a high altitude environment. It could come down to which team is able to get production from its front line. I think Mexico will leave Chiapas with a point at worst, which would do Canada no good.
Group C
Suriname vs. El Salvador: El Salvador have had a long trip to the northern coast of South America. Actually, both teams had long trips filled with delays and layovers. Suriname will have to shake off the 7-0 rout that they suffered, but it was quite a psychological blow on the players and their supporters. In the end, Suriname are drawn entirely from the local semiprofessional league, and their only points have come from the other semipro team in the group. El Salvador sees the return of Quintanilla which should improve the linkage between midfield and the forwards. They have enough talent to earn at least a point and I think a draw is the most likely result.
Haiti vs. Costa Rica: Haiti need three points badly, but the national federation fired their coach this afternoon. A pair of assistant coaches will guide what is a very shell-shocked and nervous Haitian side. Costa Rica have to prepare for the match in less-than-ideal conditions, to put it mildly. The ticos don't play as well on the road as they do at home, but if they can handle the local conditions they can leave the island with three points.
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