USA – Jamaica

USA should win the first match against Jamaica by a margin

The CONCACAF Gold Cup opens on Sunday night, 25 June. The biggest international tournament of this summer. Team USA are traditionally regarded as the main favourites, along with Mexico. The Americans warmed up before the tournament in the local League of Nations. Bellhalter's side confidently won the trophy. In doing so, they took on their main rivals. They crushed Mexico in the semi-finals before scoring two unanswered goals against Canada. Goalkeeper Turner missed in the two meetings. The US national team's attack is brimming with talent. The star generation is now reaching a new level. The players have not lost their way at the World Cup before. Against opponents from the CONCACAF zone, they look like players from a different league. The attack is led by young dribblers Balogun and Vea. The national team's acknowledged leader Pulisic adds speed and skill. Christian has starved for football after a season on the Chelsea reserves. In the centre of the pitch there's a quality partnership between Adams and Aaronson. The USA have a very good press. There are some promising players in the rotation as well. Wunderkinds Reina and Pepi can be included in the second half if required. The USA's relative weakness is the centre of defence. That said, matches against the CONCACAF zone giants have not raised any particular questions about the experienced MLS defenders. Jamaica are clear candidates for second place in the group. At the same time, the islanders' recent matches surprised on the downside. Jamaica lost to Qatar and Jordan before the tournament. The unbeaten streak stretches to a total of nine matches. The latest success dates back to June 8, 2022. That is, more than a year without a single win. The opponents have not always been top teams. For example, Jamaica have not beaten Trinidad and Tobago, although they have had two attempts. Jamaica has a relatively good squad for a local tournament but is no match for the Americans. There are no high-profile stars. Their attacking hope is Spartak reserves Shamar Nicholson. Lots of players from the lower leagues in England. On defence the big man is 36-year-old veteran Adrian Mariappa. The bookmakers are giving fairly high odds on a USA win. There may be fears that the Americans are tired after the Nations League. For that, it is hardly worth worrying about. The team has had a week's rest, and the coach has very serious squad depth. The home stands are also important. The Americans are on a roll; they will try to continue their winning streak. The state of Jamaica is worrying even in the context of the fight for second place. The history of head-to-head encounters does not add to the islanders' optimism either. Of the last five matches, four have been won by the Americans.