2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Preview: Mexico vs Jamaica

We have a rematch of the Gold Cup final from 2015 on Thursday night as Mexico and Jamaica square off in Group C play in the Mile High City. The altitude favors Mexico, of course, which is used to playing at even higher ground at Estadia Azteca, while Jamaica plays near sea level. Therefore, Mexico heads into Thursday’s CONCACAF Gold Cup matchup favored in the soccer odds against the Reggae Boyz.

2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Preview: Mexico vs Jamaica

Reggae Boyz looking to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup come Thursday…. https://t.co/Ff6hTZJBPG

— Official J.F.F (@ItsTheJFF) July 11, 2017

When: Thursday, July 13, 2017, 10:30 PM ET Where: Sports Authority Field, Denver TV: FS1 / Univision Radio: None Live Stream: Fox Sports Go CONCACAF Gold Cup Odds: Mexico -1½+106, -285, U 2½ +110 / Jamaica +1½-126, +900, O 2½ -130 / Draw +395

Game Analysis

Jamaica and Mexico won their Group C openers on Sunday in San Diego, so this is likely the battle for the top of the group — which means a quarterfinal matchup with a third-place finisher from another group. Mexico has largely brought a second-string squad to the Gold Cup, while Jamaica has their top XI on the field. This should definitely be an entertaining matchup, and as you consider your sports betting for the week, think about choosing between El Tri and the Reggae Boyz.

Why should you bet on Mexico?

We’ve already mentioned the altitude. There’s also going to be that crowd, which will be heavily pro-Mexico. Then there’s the fact that this second-string Mexican side impressed in their group opener, running past El Salvador by a 3-1 margin. Elias Hernandez tallied one goal and provided the assists on the other two, including a perfect set-piece piece of service to Hedgardo Marin, who headed the ball into the back of the net. Mexico did show a little bit of weakness on defense, as Nelson Bonilla snagged the equalizer almost right away, but then El Tri put up another pair of goals to salt away the win. That was the same defensive slippage that led to that early goal by the United States in their World Cup qualifying match in Mexico City.

Where’s Mexico’s Coach?

Mexico’a manager, Juan Carlos Osorio, has to watch this game from the boxes upstairs, rather than walking the sidelines, thanks to his behavior during the Confederations Cup, which led to a six-game suspension from FIFA. The Reggae Boyz, though, bring more speed than El Salvador, which could expose those defensive issues on the Mexican back end. Jamaica also plays a more physical brand of defense, so Mexico has their work cut out for them.

Why should you put your money on Jamaica?

Jamaica paid back Curacao for that bad loss that they took against them in the final of the Caribbean Cup. The Reggae Boyz were able to generate enough clear chances against a side with inferior defending — and to finish those chances — to take the win. However, there were several signs that Jamaica could have some big trouble against El Tri. First, their play looked sluggish for much of the way. True, it was sunny and hot out in San Diego, but you didn’t have the humidity that Jamaica should be accustomed to. Given that Jamaica was playing for revenge in this game, it was a surprise to see them looking so uninterested in the outcome. Curacao was not able to exploit that, but you can be sure that Mexico will be able to.

What About Speed?

Second will be the speed that Mexico showed in their win over El Salvador. When Jamaica shocked the United States in that semifinal win in the 2015 Gold Cup, they showed speed and physicality — neither of which showed up in the group opener. Jamaica could end up in real trouble early if they are not ready for the Mexican attack.

Recent Game Results

Mexico

• Won – July 9th, 2017 vs. El Salvador. 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Score: 3-1
• Loss – July 2nd, 2017 vs. Portugal. 2017 Confederations Cup. Score: 2-1
• Loss – June 29th, 2017 vs. Germany. 2017 Confederations Cup. Score: 4-1
• Won – June 24th, 2017 vs. Russia. 2017 Confederations Cup. Score: 2-1
• Won – June 21st, 2017 vs. New Zealand. 2017 Confederations Cup. Score: 2-1

Jamaica

• Won – July 9th, 2017 vs. Curacao. 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Score: 2-0
• Loss – June 25th, 2017 vs. Curacao. 2017 Caribbean Cup. Score: 2-1
• Won – June 22nd, 2017 vs. French Guiana. 2017 Caribbean Cup. Score: 4-2
• Loss – June 13th, 2017 vs. Peru. Friendly. Score: 3-1
• Won – February 16th, 2017 vs. Honduras. Friendly. Score: 1-0

Historic Facts on Both Teams

• Games Played: 24
• Longest Winning Streak
• Largest Margin of Victory: 8-0
• Current Winning Streak: Mexico 3 (2013 – 2016)

Predicted Lineups

Mexico: #1 Jesus Corona, #21 Luis Reyes , #14 Hedgardo Marin, #4 Hugo Ayala, #6 Edson Alvarez,#15 Rodolfo Pizarro, #16 Jorge Hernandez (46′ #5 Jesus Molina), #20 Jesus Duenas, #11 Elias Hernandez, #19 Angel Sepulveda, #18 Jesus Gallardo. Jamaica:  #1 Andre Blake, #20 Kemar Lawrence, #21 Jermaine Taylor, #3 Damion Lowe, #5 Alvas Powell, #15 Je-Vaughn Watson, #17 Kevon Lambert, #18 Owayne Gordon, #16 Jermaine Johnson, #8 Oniel Fisher, #22 Romario Williams.

 Final Mexico vs Jamaica CONCACAF Gold Cup Prediction

I like the excitement that Jamaica brings to the field when they are motivated and energetic. I don’t know that they will have that with them, given that the game will be at altitude and that the crowd will raucously support Mexico. However, I do see them showing more energy than they did against Curacao. I see El Tri prevailing and taking the top spot in the group table with a 3-2 win.