Canada and Costa Rica Best Shot to End Stranglehold

When Canada won the Gold Cup in 2000, they became the first team besides the United States and Mexico to win the tournament. Once again this year the US and Mexico are heavy favorites to reach the finals. Canada and Costa Rica have the best shot at stealing the trophy away from one of those sides. Canada seem to always play well in the Gold Cup, despite consistently underachieving in World Cup Qualifying. In 2007, they were very impressive in getting to the semifinals where they played the US. They would have made it to the finals had the officials not robbed them (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ani9Wkx-TE). The Canadians have a talented side with many of their players playing in the premier league and Dwayne DeRosario, who has twice won the MLS MVP. Canada certainly has a talented enough team to make a run to the finals.

Costa Rica seem to be the opposite of Canada. They always do well in World Cup Qualifying, but do poorly in the Gold Cup. They have never made it past the quarterfinals. This time however can be different if they survive a very difficult group. Costa Rica have topped the CONCACAF region in qualifying and have shown that they can beat either the US or Mexcio. This Costa Rican team is probably their most talented ever and if they stay poised are capable of winning the championship.