Canada have secured a spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals after defeating Cuba 4-2. This win sets up a match against the United States.
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In another game, Guatemala also advanced to the quarters with a 3-2 win over Guadeloupe in New Jersey. They will face Jamaica in the opening game of a quarterfinal doubleheader in Cincinnati on Sunday, followed by the highly anticipated US versus Canada matchup. In the other quarterfinal doubleheader, Mexico will take on Costa Rica on Saturday, while Panama will meet invited guest Qatar in Arlington, Texas.
Canada’s Junior Hoilett converted a penalty kick in the 21st minute after a handball by Eduardo Hernandez on Hoilett’s cross. Jonathan Osorio scored in the 26th minute from Lucas Cavallini’s pass, Jayden Nelson found the net in the 47th minute on a rebound from Cavallini’s shot, and Liam Millar scored with a header from Hoilett’s corner kick in the 61st minute.
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Cuba, ranked 166th, managed to score on penalty kicks by Luis Paradela in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time and Maikel Reyes in the 89th minute.
Guatemala, ranked 116th, finished at the top of Group C with six points, while Canada secured second place with five points. Guadeloupe finished with four points, and Cuba failed to secure any points.
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Costa Rica, ranked 42nd, advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-4 victory over Martinique in Harrison. Panama, ranked 57th, had already secured a spot in the quarterfinals and drew 2-2 against the 76th-ranked El Salvador. Guadeloupe and Martinique are not ranked as they are not FIFA members.
