Mexico is in a tougher group than the USA. The Tris have Panama and Honduras in group C as well as Cuba. Panama boasts the best striker in the CONCACAF in Blas Perez and those who have been following the Cope Libertadores can attest to Cucuta Deportivo’s magical run to the Copa finals being made possible by Blas Perez’s cup leading 8 goals. He has company up front in Colorado Rapids Roberto Brown, giving Panama a potent 1-2.
The Hondurans don’t have David Suazo, one of Cagliari’s stars and the Serie’s top scorer in the 2005-2006 season. But they have Carlos Pavon and Carlos Costly who have had extensive experience playing in the European leagues. And they still have Amado Guevara, a staple of the Metrostars and presently clubless with his release from Chivas USA. Guevara can still score goals although he makes more news now with his temperament.
The USA in Group B can expect competition from Guatemala. The Guatemalans have Carlos Ruiz, FC Dallas striker who has scored 76 goals in 126 MLS matches. Guatemala drew the USA in their last match Their main competition should have been the Soca Warriors but a World Cup bonus dispute will keep away star players like Dwight Yorke, Carlos Edwards, Stern John and Shaka Hislop. El Salvador rounds of Group B.
Group A has Costa Rica whose main staple for so many years have been Paulo Wanchope, Luis Marin, Walter Centeno, and Mauricio Solis. But the torch is being passed to Christian Bolanos, one of CONCACAF’s best midfield talents spearheading a younger generation of Ticos talents like Randall Azofiefa, Victor Nunez, and Alvaro Saborio. Canada, Haiti, and Guadeloupe are the other teams in the group.
A little note on little Guadeloupe. Les Bleus squad presently has six players who have Guadeloupe origins including Thierry Henry, William Gallas, Lilian Thuram, Sylvain Wiltord, Pascal Chimbonda, and Luis Saha. Guadeloupe is considered one of France’s 26 provinces and is part of the EU.
Predictions: Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, and USA in the final four.
Ivan Galarcep rates the teams chances >>