Women's Gold Cup Day 3: We've Got 2 Semifinalists. Who Will Be Next?

Gold Cup Day 3 is done, and we already know the 2 Group B Semifinalists who are heading into the next stage of the competition. But who will follow them from Group A?



Hello everyone! Gold Cup Day 3, which was another exciting and thrilling day of this World Cup qualifying competition, is now set and done. Let's talk about today's games!


Costa Rica vs. Haiti- I missed this game actually, because I unfortunately had something to do. However, I checked in at the last few minutes. Costa Rica won 3-0, with 2 goals from Dedeno and one from Cruz. Costa Rica now sits at the upper half of the Group table with 6 points. With this win, they also advance to the Semifinals.


United States vs. Guatemala- Now this game was something to behold. Especially if you were a big USWNT fan, such as myself. The USA mercilessly slammed Guatemala 9-0. It was just a complete slaughtering. And, there were some beautiful goals and plays to witness. And honestly, there were so many goals, all of them being excellently scored, that I can't even explain each of them/put them into words here, I wouldn't do them justice. These are the kind of goals you have to actually see.

Here's the link: http://www.concacaf.com/page/WGC/NewsDetail/0,,12813~2202453,00.html

Enjoy! Because, you're in for a real treat.

Overall, the United States played great. They put on a fantastic performance, and didn't seem as lazy as they were against Haiti. Still, the United States were dissecting Guatemala without going overboard, and for the USWNT, that's a great advantage to have.

A-Rod, Wambach, and Rapinoe celebrate one of the team's 9 goals against Guatemala.



After Wambach scored her 2 goals, she was pulled in around the 39th. A smart choice by Pia. Like I said yesterday, why risk an injury or unnecessary fatigue when you know you are going to win? By that point, the USA was already up 6-0, no need to further tire your top striker. At halftime, Lori Lindsey was subbed in for Boxx, and also, LePeilbet, arguably the USA's best defender, was taken off in the 2nd half. Pia Sundhage used her substitutes wisely, resting key players for the match against Group B's 2nd best team: Costa Rica. Unlike in the Haiti game, the USA did not become lazy in the second half. Throughout the entire 90 minutes, the USA attacked and created a ton of chances on goal. Overall, it was an entertaining and dominating performance put on by the Americans. With these 3 points, the United States still maintains their place atop Group B, with a total 6 points, and also automatically advances to the Semifinals. They will face-off against Costa Rica, who also has 6 points, in a battle for first place of Group B.


Tomorrow, Group A resumes their competition. Here are tomorrow's matches:

Canada vs. Guyana- It says this match starts at 19:00 (which is 7pm). But, just to be sure, check at 6pm! There is some weird time change going on with Mexico, I think its because they fall back earlier than we do. So, to avoid another schedule mishap, just check 6pm!

Mexico vs. Trinidad and Tobago- It says this game starts at 21:30 (which comes out to be 9:30). However, it listed that 9:30 time for today's USA match, and on concacaf.com it was aired an hour earlier here in the States. So, be sure to check 8:30pm!

It doesn't matter what match it is, just make sure you check an hour before the said time to see if its airing then! The time issue is a bit confusing.

Here are the possible outcomes of tomorrow, in regards to the Semifinals: If Canada and Mexico each win their games, both automatically advance to the Semifinals. If either team loses, its still an open group.

Have a Happy Gold Cup Day 4, and a Happy Halloween! I better put a sign on my door that says "No Candy from 6pm-11:30pm." Well, lucky for them my family will take care of the doling out of treats, because from 6 to 11:30pm, I'll be busy watching Gold Cup!

See you all tomorrow!

Denise