CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B: Jamaica v Canada, Costa Rica v El Salvador
Published:
As the two opening fixtures from this competitive CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B ended as draws, everything is still to play for in this pool, which could provide plenty of shocks.
Jamaica surprisingly split the spoils with Costa Rica (7/1 shots with Coral to win the tournament) and now take on Canada, while group favourites Los Ticos look to make up lost ground against underdogs El Salvador.
Jamaica v Canada
Canada have won half of their previous tussles with Jamaica, taking eight victories from a possible 16, with their last win over the Caribbean nation a 3-1 friendly rout in 2014.
So, backing the Cannucks at 19/10 to triumph seems smart business, though with the Reggae Boyz’ recent rearguard resilience and the two teams drawing their previous Gold Cup clashes, this match is also excellent value at 2/1 to end on even terms.
With so much up for grabs, something will surely have to give, however. Caribbean nation Jamaica are 6/5 favourites after their impressing opening showing, with English-based wily wingmen Jobi McAnuff (10/1 to net first) and Garath McCleary (9/1 to net last) adding a much-needed edge up top.
The Canadians, meanwhile, came up surprisingly empty after their recent scoring exploits and were unable to find a way past El Salvador. So, strikers Cyle Larin and Tosaint Ricketts are both superb 7/4 shouts in the anytime market to make amends.
Costa Rica v El Salvador
Paulo Wanchope should be confident of victory here, as Costa Rica, odds-on at 4/9 to win, have beaten this opposition 1-0 in the last two internationals between them.
El Salvador are rank 5/1 outsiders, but there have been two recent score draws between this Central American countries, and a share of the spoils again is a 27/10 chance.
Costa Rica need more from their attack if the 2-2 draw with Jamaica is any indicator, and Arsenal-owned attacker Joel Campbell has netted against El Salvador before. Odds of 15/8 in the anytime market are thus worth considering. New Sporting Lisbon signing Bryan Ruiz is the same price.
