Tuesday, September 6, 2011

CONCACAF Round 2: Matchday Two Preview

The second games of round two in COCNACAF begin a few hours, where the groups will begin to look clearer.

Group A

Dominican Republic v Suriname

The Dominican Republic put in a nice performance in El Salvador, only losing 302 while Suriname struggled against the weak Cayman Islands and came away with a 1-0 win. The DR could pull an upset here, but Suriname will sort its issues out.

Prediction: Dominican Republic 1 Suriname 2

Cayman Islands v El Salvador

El Salvador travels to the Cayman Islands and the group A favorite should win by several goals. Cayman Islands held out against Suriname and only conceded once, but the Salvadoreans have a much more vaunted strike force that is headline by Rodolfo Zelaya.

Prediction: Cayman Islands 0 El Salvador 4

Group B


Barbados v Trinidad and Tobago

Barbados must try to rebound from a 2-0 loss to Guyana while Trinidad and Tobago is attempting to improve after its narrow 1-0 win against Bermuda. Striker Kenwyne Jones scored the lone goal versus Bermuda and will be looking for more against a Barbados side that heavily deployed the offside trap in the Guyana game.

Prediction: Barbados 0 Trinidad and Tobago 2

Guyana v Bermuda

Guyana plays its second home match in a row following a confidence building 2-0 win over Barbados. Bermuda impressed in its 1-0 loss to favorite Trinidad and Tobago and Khano Smith and company will be confident they can take points of Guyana. A win here for Guyana would be huge for its chances of advancing and they will not let that opportunity go to waste.

Prediction:
Guyana 2 Bermuda 1

Group C

Nicaragua v Panama

This is the only group C match this round and sees Panama open its qualifying campaign. Nicaragua picked up a clutch away win in Dominica in the first match and has momentum entering this match. Panama is the huge favorite in this three-team group and is not expected to drop points to anyone.

Prediction: Nicaragua 0 Panama 2

Group D

Saint Lucia v Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia suffered a 4-1 opening loss to Canada while Saint Kitts and Nevis could not put a goal by Puerto Rico in a 0-0 result. SKN is the favorite in this match and should be able to glide by Saint Lucia, although the home side did have a nice first half against Canada.

Prediction: Saint Lucia 1 Saint Kitts and Nevis 3

Puerto Rico v Canada

Canada goes on its first of three Caribbean getaways in this round. After a tense first half, the Canadians found their scoring touch in the second 45 versus Saint Lucia. Puerto Rico picked up an away point in its opening draw, but needs a win here if they want any hope of advancing. Canada has been known to drop winnable games, but should have no problem here.

Prediction: Puerto Rico 0 Canada 2

Group E

Belize v Guatemala

This is the lone group E game as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada have rescheduled their game to September 18th. Belize produced the shock of the first round of games with its 3-0 win in Grenada. Guatemala won comfortably at home, 4-0 over Saint Vincent. This game is of added importance, whoever wins takes control of the group. Belize is brimming with confidence, but Guatemala has the superior players.

Prediction: Belize 1 Guatemala 2

Group F

U.S. Virgin Islands v Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda survived an early scare in its first match, but came back to defeat Curacao 5-2. The amateurs from the USVI suffered a 6-0 defeat to Haiti, but know host its first home game of the round. However, more of the same should be expected and Antigua and Barbuda is the huge favorite.

Prediction: U.S. Virgin Islands 0 Antigua and Barbuda 4

Curaçao vs Haiti

Curaçao took the lead against Antigua and Barbuda in its first ever official FIFA match. Although they eventually fell 5-2, it was a decent debut on the competitive stage. Haiti had no problems with the U.S. Virgin Islands and will find it a bit tougher in Curaçao. They still should have enough to win though.

Prediction:
Curaçao 1 Haiti 3

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