Group A
The 2011 CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Gold Cup kicked off on June 5th with a bang when Costa Rica and Mexico annihilated Cuba and El Salvador 5-0, respectively. Manchester United star Javier Hernandez, commonly known by his nickname Chicharito, scored his first senior hat trick (club or international) against El Salvador. On June 9th, Chicharito scored two more for Mexico against Cuba en route to another 5-0 victory in the group stage. Costa Rica could not replicate their form as Mexico did, drawing 1-1 with El Salvador in the 2nd round. In the 3rd round of the group stage, El Salvador defeated Cuba 6-1, and Mexico defeated Costa Rica 4-1. Mexico look like the favorites to win the competition and qualify for the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.
Group B
Jamaica leads Group B, having already qualified for the knockout stage despite only playing two games, sits on 6 points after a 4-0 win against Grenada, and a 2-0 victory against Guatemala. Honduras is currently in 2nd position, with 4 points from a 7-1 win against Grenada and a 0-0 draw against Guatemala.
Group C
The United States entered the Gold Cup as favorites despite losing 4-0 to world champions Spain before the tournament. The U.S. cruised past Canada in their first game, winning 2-0 through goals by Altidore and Dempsey, but were upset in their second game against Panama. Panama, who are ranked 67th in the world by FIFA, defeated the United States 2-1, and put the United States in a dangerous position. Should the U.S. lose the 3rd group stage game, there would be the possibility of elimination. The United States plays Guadeloupe on June 14th to decide its fate. In the first two rounds, Guadeloupe lost 3-2 to Panama, and 1-0 to Canada. If Guadeloupe defeats the United States by two or more goals, and Panama defeats Canada, they will advance to the quarter finals.
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