It seems like soccer never ends. If it’s not the Men’s World Cup, it’s the Women’s or it’s some tournament. It’s understandable that by the time Gold Cup 2015 comes around, everyone is soccered-out. I’m following the tournament and here’s why:
1. It’s a short tournament
Unlike the World Cup 2014, that ran from June 12 through July 13, 2014, the Gold Cup 2015 started on July 7 and will end on the July 26. As much as I enjoy soccer, it’s a great bonus that it’s merely two and a half weeks of action packed games! I don’t have to devote my entire summer, like I did for the World Cup. If you’re not a huge fan or don’t know much about soccer, it’s a great teaching tool!
2. CONCACF has interesting politics
When the corruption investigation and scandal broke out earlier this year, the entire ethicality of all associations was questioned. It was interesting to see how the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association responded amidst the scandal. In order to further maintain an ethical association, CONCACF set out new reforms. According to a statement “[The] Reform Framework reflects CONCACF’s commitment to strengthening [their] governance, management, and operations…CONCACAF is resilient and devoted to managing, developing, and promoting the game with accountability and transparency." To be honest, I find these new reforms* to be an improvement, although there are many unanswered questions, and plenty of room for improvement.
3. Watch the U.S. defend their 2013 title
Two years ago, the U.S. defeated Panama, an underdog that defeated the 2011 winner Mexico. We now have the U.S. trying to hang on to their title, Panama trying to claim revenge from coming in second, and an ego-bruised Mexican team that is desperately seeking the championship. Throw in Costa Rica, the 2014 winner of the Central American Cup 2014 and Jamaica, the 2014 winner of the Caribbean Cup. We’re looking at quite a tournament.
4. Games are surprisingly intense
Going off on the previous “quite a tournament,” this past week, we had the first round of teams, which showed us the coaches aren’t afraid of experimenting with squad linings. One of the reason being that it’s not a high stake tournament, the Gold Cup should be respected as a learning championship given that most of the teams are ranked outside of the Top 20 FIFA teams (except Costa Rica who had an impressive World Cup 2015 appearance). For example, in Group A, we had Clint Dempsey score the 2-1 win against Honduras and the 1-0 win against Haiti. In Group B, we had a stressed first half where Costa Rica and Jamaica tied 2-2. Jamaica goes on to beat to Canada 1-0 at the 92nd minute! In this same group we had El Salvador tie their game at the 91st minute. I would go as far to say that Group B might have at least one of the Top 3 teams. Finally, in Group C, we had Trinidad and Tobago defeat Guatemala 3-1. But that wasn’t the only surprise, Mexico’s debuting match led to a 6-0 victory against Cuba. Needless to say, there are some powerhouses we should look out for, personally, I’m excited to see what these teams do.
5. There might be a startling ending
Just like we had, Guatemala has not won the Gold Cup in 45 years, and we also have teams like El Salvador who are hungry to make a name themselves. The tournament opens itself to teams that are looking to increase their tournament participation. It’s often a stepping stone for teams that are looking for more experience. Who knows, I’m sure Group B is going to be the next surprise. It’s obvious that all teams have a lot to prove to each other and to themselves.
6. Watching underrated teams
Just like the previous two reasons, I don’t know what’s more fun than watching underrated teams like Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guatemala play with great determination, just like any other. What’s great about short tournaments like these is that we get to see best performances of each team. I do like to see how teams response in a high stress match, like a semifinal of a World Cup, and it would be idiotic of me to say that we won’t see that here. The Gold Cup is a chance for teams to grow.
7. New, young players showcase their abilities
Unlike larger tournaments where the “best, most qualified” players are starters, the Gold Cup gives coaches the opportunity to “test drive” new players who are trying to make a name for themselves. As the audience, I get to see players of all ages showcasing their best abilities, and it’s a sick feeling to see them continue their careers later on at the World Cup.
8. See familiar faces
I remember watching Landon Donovan run across the field, along with Chris Wondolowski from the U.S. but also Marco Fabian, Raul Jimenez from Mexico back in 2013. It was a pleasure watching them play after following them in friendlies and the 2010 World Cup. Today, I see Andres Guardado, Giovani dos Santos, both representing Mexico, but have grown throughout the years in European Leagues. I can see the maturity in their mannerism, their ability to move gracefully is awe-inspiring.
9. Soccer is a universal sport
There are 12 teams playing, each representing 12 distinct nations, all of which have dynamic cultures. What’s fantastic about soccer is that everyone understands the game regardless of language and skill. I like that teams like Canada can face teams like El Salvador because it puts in perspective the evident differences among them. I believe that sports have the power to unite people, and the power behind unity is unstoppable.
10. My passion needs to be fed
At the age of nine I fully understood how soccer was played. No one in my family enjoyed, much less, watched a match. It was an independent hobby that I picked up and have kept throughout the years. I watch the games because each match is a beautiful performance. These tournaments reveal the intelligence of each team, their elegance is transmitted, and their respect for the game is obvious.
I’m excited to see what each team brings to the tournament and the goals that await in the next few days. If you don’t like soccer, at least watch a couple of guys kick balls around the field.
*These can be found on ESPN FC website.
