The 2015 Gold Cup Group Stage concludes on Wednesday when Mexico finishes the last match of Group C when they collide with group leaders, Trinidad and Tobago.
It's all or nothing when both countries take the field in the "winner take all match." Trinidad and Tobago currently is in first place in the Group with six points, and Mexico is not far behind with four points. The winner of the match will automatically win the top seed in the group and avoid Group A leader the Untied States and Group B winner, Jamaica.
We don't know what to make of Mexico thus far in the Gold Cup tournament. After an opening match blow out victory against Cuba 6-0, they were held scoreless against Guatemala. Now that we have seen Cuba defeat Guatemala 1-0 earlier in the day, Mexico's surprising shutout raises red flags. Trinidad and Tobago has been the most consistent team in this year's tournament, winning their first two matches rather comfortably. Mexico is the more talented squad however, and they will need to put it all together on Wednesday.
Mexico fell to No.40 in the world in the latest FIFA rankings, but still rank higher than Trinidad and Tobago and every other country in the CONCACAF region with the exception of the United States.
Oribe Peralta had a hat trick in the first game against Cuba, but still is tied for the Golden Boot lead with Clint Dempsey with three goals each. Peralta will need to find the net on Wednesday for Mexico to advance.
Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa has not allowed a goal thus far in the tournament, and needs to keep a clean sheet against Trinidad and Tobago for his ream to advance out of the Group with the top seed.
Off the bench, look for Giovani dos Santos, who was officially announced on Wednesday as the next midfielder for the Los Angeles Galaxy, and Carlos Vela to provide a spark of El Tri and numerous goal scoring opportunities.
Trinidad and Tobago has been the pleasant surprise of the tournament. The 64th ranked team in all the world has been the most consistent and best team in the 2015 Gold Cup tournament thus far. After beating Guatemala 3-1 in their opening game, they easily defeated Cuba 2-0.
Sheldon Bateau has two goals already and is seeking a third against Mexico on Wednesday to tie him with Peralta and Dempsey for the Golden Boot lead. Trinidad and Tobago has never won the Gold Cup, but they know they can finish no worse than second in Group C and have already booked their ticket into the knockout rounds.
However, the different between winning and losing on Wednesday is important, and if Trinidad and Tobago can get the victory over Mexico or at least muster a draw, they will face Panama instead of the United States or Jamaica. That next opponent could be key in how far Trinidad and Tobago advances in this year's Gold Cup.
This match will be a game of goalkeepers as Trinidad and Tobago's Jan-Michael Williams, has only allowed one goal all tournament and will need to continue his strength in goal against Mexico.
Prediction: 2-0 Mexico
Betting Favorite: Mexico -1.5 goals
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals
Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago will collide on Wednesday, July 15th 2015 at 8:30 PM EST from the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game will air live on Fox Sports 2 and can be live streamed here. If you prefer to watch on your mobile device, please download the Fox Sports Go app from your app store.
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