2011 Gold Cup: Location Might Be as Difficult as the Opposition for U.S.

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: March 13, 2011

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The U.S. has been grouped with Canada, Panama and Guadeloupe for the 2011 Gold Cup.

With the United States seemingly strong favorites to advance beyond the group stage, the organizers look as if they have scheduled the games in specific cities in the hopes that it might generate some much needed hostility for the host nation.

The U.S. will play Canada in Detroit, Panama in Tampa, and at the most stars and stripes friendly environment, Guadeloupe in Kansas City.

On paper, most consider the Gold Cup an underwhelming tournament with a vast chasm between the favorites and the rest, so any decisions that can create drama and add viewers are welcome.

If a venue can raise the stakes, then by all means, select it.

Add to the scenario a prestigious 2013 Confederations Cup berth (the tournament where the winner of each FIFA Confederation winner, the last World Cup winner and the host nation play), the constant struggle the U.S. team has in motivating itself for group matches against sub-par CONCACAF teams, and there may be something to play for in this tournament.

The storyline is also intriguing as the U.S. is in transition.

The team will need to replace an aging back line and continue its search for that elusive star forward.

With one less friendly (the Egypt international being canceled), there are only two matches left to decide on a competitive squad that can handle the early matches and then prepare for difficult later rounds against more talented opponents (like Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras and even the mercurial Jamaica).

Finally, many of the CONCACAF underdogs play their best matches against their regional heavy weights, especially the United States (a win or draw resonates far beyond the sporting world), and especially in a country where the away team generates fan support from large immigrant populations.

Upsets, difficult advancement, and new her...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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