CONCACAF Gold Cup

The United States-Mexico domination of the Gold Cup will continue.

The two countries, which have strong-armed the competition in the CONCACAF event since its inception, will go head-to-head Sunday (9 p.m. ET) after each got by its semifinal opponent. The U.S. completed its run to the final with a 3-1 win over Jamaica on Wednesday, while Mexico earned a 1-0 victory over Haiti on Tuesday.

Mexico or the United States has won 13 of the first 14 Gold Cups, including each of the last nine. Canada's 2000 championship is the lone non-Mexico/U.S. victor. This is the first time they have gone head-to-head for the Gold Cup since 2011.

Raul Jimenez got the job done for Mexico in the 93rd minute of its match after the first 90 minutes were played to a scoreless stalemate. It took a penalty for Jimenez to score the goal despite Mexico being in control throughout.

"It was a game that started well for us and got worse, we had a lot of chances at the start," Mexico assistant coach Jorge Theiler told reporters. "After that we became tired and the chances dried up, we lacked a little speed and to finish off the game."

Mexico took 27 shots to Haiti's 11 and held possession for 69 percent of a match El Tri dominated much more than what was reflected on the scoreboard.

The United States survived a different kind of tension, as a lengthy weather delay halted its momentum in the win over Jamaica. Weston McKennie put the U.S. on the board in the ninth minute as part of an all-out romp to start the match.

Jamaica fared far better after lightning came crashing down and sent the teams back to the locker room. The two teams went into the half with the score still 1-0 but with Jamaica seemingly building momentum.

That all came to a halt thanks to the brilliance of Christian Pulisic, who threw the team on his back with a sensational outing that included a goal in the 52nd minute that gave the U.S. a cushion. After Shamar Nicholson got Jamaica on the board in the 69th minute, Pulisic answered again, this time in the 87th minute to put things away for the U.S.

The United States and Mexico last played in a friendly last September, which ended in a 1-0 victory for the U.S. Mexico holds a sizable advantage in the all-time series, but the United States has been more successful of late against El Tri.

For the second game in a row, Mexico was taken to extra time in the 2019 Gold Cup.

And for the second time in a row, Mexico outlasted its opponent—this time defeating Haiti 1-0 Tuesday night in the semifinal match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Mexico had held the lion's share of possession and scoring chances throughout regulation but lacked precision in the final third, which allowed Haiti to bend but not break. However, just as soon as extra time kicked off, Haiti's Herve Bazile conceded a penalty in the box.

El Tri's No. 9 Raul Jimenez stepped up to the spot and buried the game-winner in the 93rd minute.

RAUL JIMENEZ 💪🇲🇽

Mexico are awarded a penalty just 3 minutes into extra time and Jimenez sends it home with ease. #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/xNsBHDczHh

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 3, 2019

Haiti managed to create one more promising chance in the 119th minute, but Mikael Cantave hit the crossbar.

There were varying opinions over whether the decisive foul was worthy of a penalty kick, but with video assistant referee not present at this year's Gold Cup, the call stood pat.

Penalty or nah?

Here's the foul that resulted in the penalty to give Mexico the lead ⬇️ #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/uh9OHG2GL5

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 3, 2019

Stop it ref. If you are against VAR watch what just happened in Mexico Haiti right now. Never a pen

— keith costigan (@KeithCostigan) July 3, 2019

Just brutal for Haiti. Cruel.

— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) July 3, 2019

Mexico head coach Tata Martino, who was suspended for the semifinal due to yellow-card accumulation, voiced his displeasure about the officiating this far in the tournament.

"The officiating was bad, what else can I say?" the first-year head coach told reporters in regard to Mexico's win over Costa Rica in the quarterfinals, in which 11 yellow cards were handed out—including one to him—and a controversial penalty kick was awarded to Costa Rica.

Martino continued: "It is impossible with the technology there is today and with VAR used in Mexico and in the United States that there isn't VAR in this tournament. In the Copa America they stop the game 200 times for VAR, they've pulled back four goals because of VAR, and we don't have VAR."

Ironically, the absence of VAR very well could be the reason Martino's side is through to the final and still able to vie for Mexico's eighth Gold Cup championship.

Entering Tuesday, Haiti had won all of its last eight competitive matches. This Gold Cup run marked a substantial step forward for the Haitian program, as the country topped its first Gold Cup group and advanced to its first semifinal after upsetting Canada.

However, it will take a while for Haiti to get over losing in such a heartbreaking way after handling Mexico so well for the bulk of the match. Haiti goalkeeper Johnny Placide stood out despite letting in the game-winner, withstanding 27 shots and saving five shots on goal.

We can debate Mexico's performance, but this was Haiti's night. The team of the Gold Cup. Wins over Canada and Costa Rica and a draw vs. Mexico from a team ranked 101 in the world. #goldcup

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) July 3, 2019

Mexico's relatively tame performance against Haiti spelled out the same as its tame performance against Costa Rica on Saturday: It is beatable. Even with the game in this bag, Mexico's Luis Montes sent the ball sailing over an open goal to illustrate the team's Achilles' heel.

Either Jamaica or the United States has a shot at unseating the tournament's perennial favorite.

Jamaica and the U.S. will battle it out Wednesday at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, to determine which side will advance to the final against Mexico on Sunday.

Jamaica defeated Mexico 1-0 in the semifinal round of the 2017 Gold Cup, while the U.S. last defeated El Tri in an international friendly back in September also by a score of 1-0.

The United States and Jamaica will battle it out in the second semi-final of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Wednesday, going head-to-head at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Bet365 (h/t Oddschecker.com) has named the hosts as the 1-2 favourites, while Jamaica carry odds of 6-1. A draw comes in at 3-1.

Viewers can tune in via Fox Sports 1 (U.S.) or Freesports.tv (UK). Kick-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET/2 a.m. BST (Thursday).

Both teams are coming off narrow 1-0 wins in the quarter-finals. The Americans were expected to cruise past Curacao but could only muster a single goal through Weston McKennie:

Jamaica beat Panama thanks to a controversial Darren Mattocks penalty:

Both teams were unbeaten in the group stages, finishing top of the pile. The Jamaicans won just one of their three matches, however, while the Americans triumphed in all three.

The Stars and Stripes were never truly threatened by minnows Curacao in the quarter-finals, but the lack of goals or clear-cut chances was worrying. Football writer Yves Galarcep was not entirely convinced by their effort after the contest:

Post-game video look at Christian Pulisic's #USMNT performance vs. Curacao, with reactions from Pulisic and Weston McKennie, who shares a secret about the #USMNT captain's armband: pic.twitter.com/0z0QOWAIEQ

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) July 1, 2019

Reporters seemed to think the team had underperformed, prompting this remark from manager Gregg Berhalter:

Gregg Berhalter responds to some heat from the media in his postgame press conference: “Despite the tone in here, we’re happy with the result of this game.”

— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) July 1, 2019

Berhalter has so far been unable to get the squad to play his style of football, revolving around ball movement designed to cause chaos in the defence. The results in the Gold Cup have been solid so far, but the United States haven't been tested by CONCACAF's strongest teams yet. Panama were supposed to provide that test but opted to play some back-ups.

In the lead-up to the tournament, the Stars and Stripes lost their last two friendlies, including a 1-0 defeat to Jamaica. The Reggae Boyz have made it to the final of the Gold Cup in consecutive tournaments, so they are a force to be reckoned with.

They also play a brand of football that presents something of a nightmare matchup for the Americans. Berhalter wants his team to move the ball around and win with passing, but the Reggae Boyz are happy to sit back and close all the gaps, before hitting their opponents with pace on the counter.

For the Stars and Stripes, the key will be to score early. Such a goal would force Jamaica to abandon their defensive game plan, opening up more space in behind the full-backs for the likes of Christian Pulisic to exploit.

If the early goal doesn't fall―or even worse, Jamaica score first―the Reggae Boyz will likely grow more comfortable as time wears on, knowing the Americans will have to start taking more risks.

Prediction: Jamaica 2-1 USA

The semi-finals of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup are upon us, with Haiti facing Mexico in the first matchup on Tuesday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The following day, the United States will take on Jamaica at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, in a repeat of the 2017 final.

Here are the details you need to catch the action:

                                     

Haiti vs. Mexico

Date: Tuesday, July 2

Time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local, 3 a.m. BST Wednesday)

TV: Fox Sports 1 (USA), FreeSports (UK)

Live Stream: Fox Sports GO (USA) Premier Player (UK)

Predictions: Haiti 1-2 Mexico

      

Jamaica vs. USA

Date: Wednesday, July 3

Time: 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. local, 2 a.m. BST Thursday)

TV: Fox Sports 1 (USA), FreeSports (UK)

Live Stream: Fox Sports GO (USA) Premier Player (UK)

Predictions: Jamaica 0-1 USA

                          

Semi-Finals Preview

Haiti were the first team to book their place in the semi-finals when they came from 2-0 down to upset Canada 3-2 in their quarter-final:

Highlights of the Game presented by Tequila Camarena@fhfhaiti is the first #GoldCup2019 semifinalist with an outstanding 3-2 win over @CanadaSoccerEN #HAIvCAN #ThisIsOurs #EstoEsNuestro pic.twitter.com/b8Gv5uSMsK

— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) June 30, 2019

That performance came on the back of an impressive showing in the group stage in which they won all three matches to progress.

Included in that run was a 2-1 win over Costa Rica, but Mexico will be an even tougher test.

El Tri needed penalties to overcome Costa Rica in the last round after they played out a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.

As football writer Cesar Hernandez observed, Mexico struggled to find a way through Los Ticos' defence:

Frustrating against a highly defensive side, but Tata better get used to this in the CONCACAF region. Gotta find a way to break them down. #ElTriEng

— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) June 30, 2019

Gerardo Martino's side aren't helped by a number of absences from their attack, with Hirving Lozano, Javier Hernandez, Carlos Vela and Jesus Corona among those missing.

Uriel Antuna and Raul Jimenez—who scored against Costa Rica—have netted four goals apiece at the Gold Cup this year, though, and they can make the difference in what could be another tricky encounter for Mexico.

Meanwhile, the United States scraped through courtesy of a 1-0 win over Curacao.

Neither ESPN FC's Tom Marshall nor former United States midfielder Stu Holden was convinced by the Americans' showing:

USA 1-0 Curacao. US outpossessed by Curacao over the 90 minutes and had fewer chances (9-12). Not exactly a convincing performance. Makes you wonder what that game would’ve looked like with Tata in charge. #goldcup

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) July 1, 2019

https://twitter.com/stuholden/status/1145525528444710915

They'll need to significantly improve if they want to win the competition. To do that, they must first get past Jamaica, who made it to the Gold Cup final in each of the last two editions of the tournament.

The Reggae Boyz saw off Panama 1-0 thanks to a Darren Mattocks penalty, and they can make life difficult for Gregg Berhalter's side.

Team USA have not conceded at all at the tournament, though, while Jamaica have found the net just twice in their last three matches.

It's likely to be a close game, but the strength of the U.S. defence should see them through.  

The 2019 Gold Cup began with 16 teams, but there are only four remaining as we head into the tournament semifinals.

There have been plenty of surprises throughout the event—even favorites such as Mexico and the United States narrowly advanced beyond the quarterfinals. Jamaica is hoping to finally win the contest after back-to-back losses in the finals, while Haiti will hope to keep going after a shocking run to the semis.

Here is what you need to know about the upcoming round.

   

Semifinal Schedule

Tuesday: Mexico vs. Haiti, 10 p.m. ET (FS1)

Wednesday: United States vs. Jamaica, 9 p.m. ET (FS1)

Full bracket available at the event's official website.

   

Quarterfinal Results

Haiti 3, Canada 2

Mexico 1, Costa Rica 1 (Mexico advances on penalties, 5-4)

Jamaica 1, Panama 0

United States 1, Curacao 0

   

Preview

Haiti certainly hasn't been a powerhouse in CONCACAF, but few teams have been more impressive so far in this tournament.

The squad won all three of its group stage matches, including a surprise 2-1 victory over Costa Rica.

It appeared as though the run was coming to an end when it trailed Canada 2-0 in the quarterfinals, but Haiti came from behind for the third time in four matches.

That put the squad into the semifinals for the first time under the current tournament format. While top teams in the federation often overlook the Gold Cup, just reaching the semis was a big moment for Haiti.

"To be honest, I cried," Steeven Saba said, per Andrew Wiebe of Extra Time. "I was crying, and then I got jumped on. It just feels amazing. I could not be happier than this."

With this type of emotion, it would be a mistake to count the team out in its next match.

Meanwhile, Mexico looked beatable against Costa Rica. The squad took 22 shots through regulation and extra time but only scored one goal.

Jason Davis of SiriusXM broke down the matchup:

https://twitter.com/davisjsn/status/1145195464997974017

Despite the question marks, Mexico is still loaded with talent. Players like Raul Jimenez and Uriel Antuna are capable of scoring at any moment, putting a lot of pressure on a defense.

This could make the upcoming match an exciting one.

In the second semifinal, the United States will take on Jamaica after squeaking by Curacao.

Christian Pulisic created a few exciting moments and helped the Americans take the lead with a beautiful cross finished by Weston McKennie:

PULISIC ➡️ MCKENNIE = GOAL 🔥

The two 20-year-olds connect to put USA on 🔝 #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/cBWrhDZtT5

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 1, 2019

However, the chances were few and far between as the Stars and Stripes failed to control the action.

After some big moments against Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago to start the tournament, the American attack hasn't looked great in the past two matches. Head coach Gregg Berhalter could be forced to make some changes at forward.

Meanwhile, Zack Steffen was a star in net with five saves, but that's more shots on goal than Team USA should allow to Curacao.

The squad will need to be sharper if it is to advance.

Jamaica will pose a challenge, though there are questions about its inconsistency as well.

The Reggae Boyz are undefeated in four games, but they have scored just two goals in their last three matches. They only scored in the quarterfinals against Panama after a questionable penalty on a handball.

The squad will have its hands full against the United States and will need a much better attacking presence in order to reach its third straight Gold Cup final.

The quarter-finals of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup kicked off Saturday, with Haiti beating Canada and Mexico overcoming Costa Rica on penalties at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Four more teams battle it out Sunday for the last two places in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Jamaica are up against Panama in the first game of the day, while the United States play Curacao at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Saturday, June 29

Haiti 3-2 Canada

Mexico 1-1 Costa Rica (Mexico win 5-4 on penalties)

                                          

Sunday, June 30

Jamaica vs. Panama, 5:30 p.m. ET/10:30 p.m. BST

U.S. vs. Curacao, 8 p.m. ET/1 a.m. BST (Monday)

Viewers in the United States can watch the action on Fox Sports 1 (U.S.) and live stream the action via Fox Sports Go. In the United Kingdom, the action is available on Freesports TV.

             

Gold Cup Preview

Curacao have made history at the 2019 Gold Cup by making it through to the knockout stages for the first time, but their involvement is expected to be ended by the U.S. on Sunday.

Remko Bicentini's side beat Honduras and then snatched a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Jamaica to progress as runners-up from Group B:

🇨🇼 GOAL CURAÇAO!!! Jurien Gaari in the dying minutes scores this 🚀 !!! Curaçao can still advance to the next round with this result! #JAMvCUW #ThisIsOurs #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/nSrxxe87GA

— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) June 26, 2019

Jurien Gaari scored the goal that took Curacao into the knockout phase, but goalkeeper Eloy Room deserves credit for his displays and can expect to be busy again in the quarter-finals:

ELOY ROOM 🙌🏻 ! The Curacao 🇨🇼 goalkeeper was instrumental in his team’s win recording 15 saves 🔥 against Honduras 🇭🇳. He has 20 saves in only 2 #GoldCup2019 games!#ThisIsOurs #EstoEsNuestro @CuracaoFutbol @EloyRoom pic.twitter.com/1gtCyrIbVD

— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) June 22, 2019

The U.S. came into the tournament after disappointing defeats to Venezuela and Jamaica.

Yet they have bounced back by beating Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Panama, netting 11 goals along the way.

Chelsea new boy Christian Pulisic has caught the eye with three goals, two assists and an impressive work rate:

If my eyes don't deceive me Pulisic sprinted 30ish yards in the 83rd (?) minute of a 5-0 game to disposses an opponent along the touchline, meg him, then start the transition back into attack. Yeah I think he's ready and willing to be The Guy™

— Charles Boehm (@cboehm) June 23, 2019

The U.S. should have too much quality for Curacao and will be expected to book a semi-final spot against either Jamaica or Panama.

Jamaica topped Group C with five points but were held by both El Salvador and Curacao, while Panama beat Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on their way to finishing second behind the U.S. in Group D.

The Reggae Boyz have made it to the final at the last two Gold Cups but have not lived up to pre-tournament expectations as yet.

Their only win so far came in their opening game when they saw off Honduras 3-2, and they have only managed one goal since then.

Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey has not had the impact many expected, but he should return to the starting XI for the clash against Panama and will add some energy and quality up front.

Panama will certainly fancy their chances against Jamaica. Los Canaleros were beaten 1-0 by the U.S in their final group game, but both sides had made plenty of changes for the match:

For those wondering, Panama has also made wholesale lineup changes to face the #USMNT , with veterans like Roman Torres, Armando Cooper, Michael Murillo, Luis Mejia and Alberto Quintero on the bench. https://t.co/X4a98EBeao

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) June 27, 2019

The team will look to Edgar Barcenas to provide the inspiration in attack against Jamaica. The 25-year-old was on target in their win over Trinidad and Tobago and will pose a threat at set pieces.

Mexico is on to the 2019 Gold Cup semifinals after knocking out Costa Rica 1-1 (5-4) in the quarterfinal round Saturday night before 70,788 fans at NRG Stadium in Houston.

The tight matchup needed extra time and then a penalty-kick shootout to determine a winner. The two sides were still knotted after the initial five rounds, which meant sudden death. It was there that Carlos Salcedo made his attempt, but Costa Rica's Keysher Fuller was blocked by Mexican goalkeeper and captain Guillermo Ochoa.

OCHOOOOAAAAA!!! 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽

Memo Ochoa makes a spectacular save in the penalty shootout to send Mexico through to the semis! #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/IKAvEBkEUd

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2019

It's an especially sweet victory for El Tri, as there was controversy surrounding the Costa Rica equalizer that came on a penalty kick and necessitated extra time in the first place.

Costa Rica earned a penalty kick in the 50th minute when Luis Rodriguez tripped Joel Campbell from behind. Bryan Ruiz took the penalty in the 52nd and snuck the equalizer past Ochoa.

Penalty or nah?

The penalty is awarded to Costa Rica and Bryan Ruiz sends it home to level the score in the second half. #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/hb93kgt0Ei

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2019

However, Fox Sports 1 rules analyst Joe Machnik disputed the ruling on the broadcast.

"I believe it's a foul," Machnik said, "but I believe the contact is outside of the penalty area—first contact—and only if we had [video assistant referee] would we see all the angles that would've perhaps given us the best opportunity to be 100 percent sure that was a clear and obvious error."

There is no VAR in this year's Gold Cup.

CONCACAF are serious with NO VAR in the #GoldCup?! 🤢😡🥴 https://t.co/gLe6dPqN7s

— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) June 30, 2019

Mexico opened up a 1-0 lead just before halftime in the 44th minute when Raul Jimenez collected a cross from Rodolfo Pizarro in the middle of the box and kept with the ball after Oscar Duarte blocked his initial shot.

The goal marked Jimenez's fourth of the tournament, which tied him with Uriel Antuna for the club lead.

RAUL. JIMENEZ. 💪🇲🇽

He scores his fourth goal of #GoldCup2019 and puts Mexico on 🔝 pic.twitter.com/JaPe60GHPC

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2019

The game was defined as much by back-and-forth chances as yellow cards. There were 11 total yellow cards handed out by the official, including one apiece for Costa Rica head coach Gustavo Matosas and Mexico head coach Tata Martino.

Martino's yellow card was his second of the tournament and resulted in the rookie head coach being suspended for El Tri's semifinal match against Haiti.

While Haiti still has a daunting task ahead of it in it first-ever Gold Cup semifinals appearance, Mexico showed vulnerability against a scrappy Los Ticos squad and gave the Haitians a blueprint to work with.

Gotta give an immense amount of credit to Matosas and Costa Rica. Say what you will about the approach but it almost worked. Much to learn for Tata. Other CONCACAF opponents will attempt to do the same. #ElTriEng

— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) June 30, 2019

This match marked the first time in eight games under Martino that El Tri scored fewer than three goals. Not to mention the fact that an already-depleted Mexico side will be without Martino on the sideline.

Mexico is still the favorite to win its eighth Gold Cup championship, but this particular team is weaker than past Mexican rosters.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Hector Herrera, Carlos Vela, Hector Moreno, Hirving Lozano, Jorge Sanchez and Jesus "Tecatito" Corona are among star players absent from Martino's Gold Cup roster for various reasons.

If there were a year to pounce on Mexico, it's this one.

If there were ever an underdog to get the job done, it's the Haitians—fresh off their first Gold Cup group win and upsetting Canada 3-2 in the quarterfinals.

It won't be easy to knock off Mexico, but Costa Rica proved it's possible outside of Ochoa's heroics.

     

What's Next?

Mexico will face off with Haiti on Tuesday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Haiti is on to the semifinals at the 2019 Gold Cup after pulling off a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Canada in the quarterfinals at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday.

This marks the first time Haiti has ever advanced to the Gold Cup semifinals.

After being held scoreless in the first half, Haiti scored three times during a 26-minute span in the second half to rally from a two-goal deficit. It was a Wilde-Donald Guerrier goal in the 76th minute that proved to be the difference.

HAITI TAKE THE LEAD! 🇭🇹

What a finish by Guerrier to put Haiti out in front for the first time this game 🔥🔥🔥 #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/zZyjvon7Ek

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2019

Jonathan David and Lucas Cavallini each scored for Canada.

It was a tale of two halves in Houston.

This match was all Canada early on, as the Red and White were the only squad to get on the board in the opening 45-plus minutes. And the tone was set early on in the 18th minute by none other than David, who delivered a strong strike.

JONATHAN DAVID! 🇨🇦

He scores his 6th goal of #GoldCup2019 and puts Canada on 🔝 pic.twitter.com/ZG2fhnT3DJ

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 29, 2019

It marked David's Gold Cup-leading sixth goal of the tournament.

David has now scored in three of his team's four Gold Cup matches, with the lone exception coming during a 3-1 loss to Mexico during group play. Canada had been 2-0 during the tournament when he scores.

Canada doubled its lead midway through the first half.

And just like that it's TWO for Canada! 🇨🇦

Lucas Cavallini times his run perfectly and doubles Canada's lead less than 30 minutes into the match. #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/RI09KjO8pc

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 29, 2019

After being held scoreless in the opener against Martinique, Cavallini has now scored in three consecutive matches. His five goals in the tournament is good for second, trailing his teammate, David, by one.

It appeared as though Canada was well on its way to the semis as it took a two-goal lead into the locker rooms—and then the second half happened.

Haiti managed to cut the deficit in half just moments after the break, thanks to some help from Canada.

HAITI TAKE ONE BACK! 🇭🇹

Nazon capitalizes on a defensive blunder by Canada and pulls Haiti within one. #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/3QhLjrIziB

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2019

That proved to be a critical moment in this match, as it served as a momentum-changer.

Haiti later evened the score in the 70th as Herve Bazile buried a penalty kick.

HAITI TIE IT! 🇭🇹

Another defensive mistake by Canada awards Haiti a penalty and Hervé Bazile sends it home to level the score. #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/c5zPXJaxYr

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2019

Moments later, Haiti would move ahead for the first time. Responsible for his team's first goal, it was only fitting that Duckens Nazon had a hand in the game-winner. Nazon set up Guerrier in the 76th minute by sneaking a pass through a pair of defenders, and Guerrier managed to beat Canada keeper Milan Borjan with a wild finish.

Just like that, an 0-2 hole became a 3-2 lead.

It appeared as though Canada had found a late equalizer, but an offside call wiped the goal off the board. With that, Haiti was able to hold on for the victory.

Haiti has now found the back of the net nine times en route to a perfect 4-0-0 record at the 2019 Gold Cup, scoring two or more goals in each match. Seven of its nine goals have come during the second half of games.

     

What's Next?

Haiti will face the Mexico-Costa Rica winner in the semifinals on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Jamaica and Panama will face off in the quarter-finals of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Jamaica topped Group A to reach the final eight, while Panama finished second in Group D behind the United States.

The winner will face either the U.S. or Curacao, who will contest Sunday's other quarter-final, in the last four.

                         

Date: Sunday, June 30

Time: 5:30 p.m. ET (10:30 p.m. BST)

TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S.), FreeSports (UK)

Live Stream: Fox Sports GO (U.S.), Premier Player (UK)

Odds: Jamaica 21-10, Draw 2-1, Panama 13-8

Odds according to Oddschecker.

                   

While Jamaica topped their group, they picked up fewer points than their quarter-final opponents.

A 3-2 win over Honduras preceded two draws for the Reggae Boyz. A goalless stalemate against El Salvador came before a 1-1 tie with Curacao, in which they missed several promising chances:

Neither of their latter showings inspired a great deal of confidence.

Jamaica did pick up a 1-0 win over the U.S. in a warm-up friendly immediately prior to the tournament, but the Americans fielded what was largely a reserve side.

As for Panama, they secured a 2-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago before beating Guyana 4-2.

Though they lost 1-0 to the U.S. in their final group match, football writer Charles Boehm praised their development in recent years:

Probably gets obscured by their playing style but Panama's climb out of the CONCACAF cellar is pretty impressive. A traditionally baseball-first country of ~4 million people with somewhere between 20-40% of the population living in poverty, and they're consistently a tough out.

— Charles Boehm (@cboehm) June 27, 2019

Los Canaleros are ranked three places above Canada in FIFA's world rankings in 75th, but they're 21 below Jamaica.

Given how the two sides have played at this year's tournament, expect a hard-fought contest on Sunday.

Jamaica have reached the finals of the past two Gold Cups, but if they are to progress this year, they need to be more clinical with their chances.

The quarter-finals of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup get under way on Saturday with Haiti versus Canada and Mexico against Costa Rica at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The following day, Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field hosts the second doubleheader as Jamaica take on Panama and the United States play Curacao.

Here is the bracket in full, along with the quarter-final schedule and viewing details:

Road to @GoldCup glory 🏆 pic.twitter.com/IJOWeSjtkc

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 27, 2019

                              

Saturday, June 29

7 p.m. ET/midnight BST (Sunday): Haiti vs. Canada

9:30 p.m. ET/2:30 a.m. BST (Sunday): Mexico vs. Costa Rica

                                     

Sunday, June 30

5:30 p.m. ET/10:30 p.m. BST: Jamaica vs. Panama

8 p.m. ET/1 a.m. BST (Monday): USA vs. Curacao

      

All matches will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 (U.S.) and Freesports TV (UK). Live-streaming will be available via Fox Sports Go. 

             

Haiti, Mexico and the U.S. all came through the group stage with perfect records as they picked up three wins from three.

Group C, meanwhile, was the tightest as Jamaica headed it with five points, and minnows Curacao took second on goal difference with four points, qualifying for the knockout rounds in fairytale fashion thanks to Jurien Gaari's stunning late equaliser:

🗣 IT'S MAGICAL! ✨

🇨🇼 Curaçao with an injury time equaliser against Jamaica to take them into the Gold Cup quarter finals!

👏 Take a bow, Juriën Gaari! pic.twitter.com/wV1TXMUfzH

— FreeSports 📺 (@FreeSports_TV) June 26, 2019

Barring an all-time Gold Cup upset, Curacao's tournament will end at the last-eight stage when they face a U.S. side 49 places above them in the world rankings.

Gregg Berhalter's men beat Panama, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago to top Group D, netting 11 goals in the process while conceding none.

But they will have to be careful against a Curacao team with nothing to lose. 

The Stars and Stripes were in poor form going into the Gold Cup after losing back-to-back games against Venezuela and Jamaica.

An early goal from the U.S. would be ideal for the co-hosts as it would calm the nerves and also force Curacao to open up in pursuit of an equaliser.

Mexico's clash against Costa Rica, meanwhile, is arguably the tie of the round. 

El Tri lived up to their tournament favourites tag in Group A as they won all three games while scoring 13 goals.

Costa Rica managed six points with victories over Nicaragua and Bermuda, but they lost to Haiti in their final group match.

Mexico have the better squad and boast the goalscoring prowess of Raul Jimenez and Uriel Antuna:

Uriel Antuna, currently on loan with the LA Galaxy from Manchester City, has four goals in three Gold Cup games for #ElTriEng...🇲🇽

You watching, Pep? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZkaWvZVVjg

— GOAL (@goal) June 24, 2019

But Los Ticos can take confidence from the fact that Mexico were run close by Martinique in their final group game, which they only won 3-2. 

In Jonathan David, Canada have the tournament's current top scorer, who will be looking to add to his tally of five goals.

Les Grenadiers were impressive in the group stage, springing a surprise by topping their pool with nine points, but Canada will be a big test.

Jamaica's clash with Panama, meanwhile, is tough to call.

The Reggae Boyz are the higher ranked side in the world (No. 54 to Panama's No. 75) and they topped their group.

But Panama actually got more points than Jamaica in the group stage by beating Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, while they also scored more goals.