July 4 – Martinique are targeting their first knockout spot since 2002 in their final Group C game against Costa Rica, who remain under pressure to not miss out on the quarterfinals for the first time since 1998.
The Ticos have endured a poor campaign, with only a point from two matches after a 2-1 defeat to Panama and a 0-0 draw with El Salvador, and the pressure on their coach Luis Suarez has almost become untenable with the press corps and fans repeatedly calling for his exit.
The Central Americans can rest assured that Martinique will do them no favours – they have not notched up more than three points in Gold Cup action since 2002 but with a 2-1 victory against El Salvador and defeat to Panama they have all to play in Harrison.
Martinique qualified for the group stages through the preliminary round play offs. A victory for Les Matino is enough to secure qualification and a draw would also leave them in a favourable position.
The recent Nations League however points in Costa Rica’s direction, having won the two matches, even if in the return they needed late goals to mastermind a 2-1 win.
Costa Rica have traditionally been one of the powerhouses of the Concacaf region, but following a disappointing World Cup in Qatar with drubbings at the hand of both Germany and Spain they have been in turmoil, seeking to introduce a new generation but not quite finding the balance. However, they have made a habit of saving their best until last in Concacaf tournaments and qualifiers recently.
Panama, who play El Salvador, have already qualified and will presumably finish top of Group C, which means the runners-up in the group will face Mexico in the quarterfinals in Arlington, Texas.
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