The 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup is at the semi-final stage and the best four teams in the competition are set to battle for a final spot.
Hosts USA are joined by pre-tournament favourites Mexico, along with the impressive duo of Qatar and Canada and we’re all set for two mouth-watering final-four clashes. The CONCACAF Gold Cup 2021 betting odds predict a USA vs Mexico climax, but nothing is certain until the four teams shake hands after all the football has been played out.
So, as we move towards the closing stages of another great Gold Cup, let’s take a closer look at the four teams and the SBOTOP odds to find our two finalists.
Qatar vs USA
Qatar meet USA at the Q2 Stadium and the hosts have a huge test on their hands.
Gregg Berhalter has picked from a squad deprived of its best players, with Gio Reyna and Christian Pulisic preparing for domestic campaigns at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.
But the available men have performed well enough to take their place at the business end of the competition. The Stars and Stripes are on a winning streak of seven games and have been ruthless in this competition, beating Jamaica, Canada and Haiti all by a 1-0 score line and hammering Martinique 6-1 when their young forwards cut loose.
Barnsley loan striker Daryl Dyke has led the line well and has contributed two goals, while defender Shaq Moore scored the only goal after just 20 seconds in a 1-0 win over Canada.
Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez will be delighted by his team’s progress as they have fired themselves into the semi-final, scoring 12 times in their four games. With four goals, Ali Almoez is top scorer while fellow forward Akram Afif has two and midfield dynamo Abdelaziz has three goals.
The Qataris’ CONCACAF Gold Cup 2021 results have been mightily impressive, and they must now be considered serious contenders for the title.
History
This is the first meeting between these two sides but recent form is very comparable. Over the past six games, the USA have a 100 per cent record, while Qatar have won five and drawn one over that period.
Betting Tip – Over 2.50 Goals @ 2.19
At odds of 1.89 the USA are backed to make the final two, but all three results are well in play. The draw is at 3.11 and Qatar at 3.59 and, while the USA are on a strong winning streak, the underdogs have been in fine form, unbeaten in 12 and with three victories on the bounce.
The USA defence has been tight, but they are coming up against an attack bang in form. Qatar’s four games have yielded 17 goals and I don’t expect them to dry up in this fascinating semi-final clash.
Mexico vs Canada
The NRG Stadium hosts the second semi-final when favourites Mexico meet outsiders Canada.
Gerardo Martino’s El Tri are the best side in the competition, ranked 11th in the world by FIFA ahead of the USA at 20th, and Qatar at 58th, while at 70th Canada are the lowest ranked.
Unbeaten in seven games, and on a winning run of three, Mexico are gathering momentum and an impressive 3-0 quarter-final win over a dangerous Honduras side was their best performance yet.
Striker Rogelio Funes Mori has three goals and is well backed up by Orbin Pineda, who has contributed two goals.
English coach John Herdman has guided Canada to the last four in entertaining style, with two 4-1 victories at the group stage and then a well-executed 2-0 quarter final win over Costa Rica. Only a narrow loss to USA has marred their campaign.
The free-scoring Canadians had been spearheaded by striker Cyle Larin, who has three goals, but will miss the rest of the tournament due to injury. Creative midfielder Stephen Eustaquio who has bagged three of his own, and veteran winger Junior Hoillet will need to carry the load in his absence.
History
In terms of head to head matches the Mexico team has a huge advantage, winning five of their six meetings with Canada and each of the last four.
Recent form gives Canada more reason for hope. Both teams have won five from the last six, Mexico drawing their other in a frustrating competition opener against Trinidad and Tobago, while Canada lost 1-0 in the tight group encounter with the USA.
Betting Tip – Mexico Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.13
At 1.57 El Tri are hot favourites to make it to the final with the draw at 3.59 and Canada is out there at 4.84.
Two to three goals is at odds of 1.81 while, for a correct score-line, 1-0 at 5.03 and 2-0 at 6.37 are the lowest price, all consistent with a clear Mexico win.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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