Matchday two of Group B at the CONCACAF Gold Cup sees Curacao take on Canada in a clash of teams with contrasting profiles. Canada arrive as the group’s big guns, while Curacao face a test of resilience as they look to defy the odds and chase a potential upset in an intriguing encounter.
Curacao enter this match after a 0-0 draw with El Salvador in their Gold Cup opener. Dick Advocaat’s men are now unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions, picking up six wins in that run.
However, Curacao now face a much tougher test against a Canada side far superior to any opponent they have faced in over a year. One thing they have going for them is their attack, with a 5-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Haiti preceding the draw with El Salvador.
Canada come into this game following an emphatic 6-0 win over Honduras in their opening fixture. The result means Jesse Marsch’s men are unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions, winning seven times in that run.
With three points already on the board and sitting top of the group, Canada are just one win away from securing a spot in the knockout stage. They will look to assert their dominance and take another decisive step in the competition.
How the bookies view it: Canada overwhelming favourites
Canada have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies, with BoyleSports offering 2/9 for a win. A victory for Curacao is valued at 9/1 while a draw is set at 4/1.
Head to head: Superior Canada
Canada have reigned supreme in this fixture, winning all three meetings with Curacao. They claimed a 2-0 victory in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League.
Players to watch: In-form Buchanan
Tajon Buchanan netted twice for Canada against Honduras and could be worth keeping an eye on alongside Jonathan David. Both men can produce over 1.5 goals – priced at 1/3 with BoyleSports.
Gervane Kastaneer and Jearl Margaritha have netted nine and five goals respectively for Curacao. The duo could combine to produce over 0.5 goals, valued at 20/23.
Probable lineup:
Curacao have a fully fit squad to pick from with the likes of Leandro Bacuna, Kastaneer, and Margaritha all expected to keep their spots in the lineup.
Canada are expected to field an unchanged team from their last game with the trio of Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi, David and Buchanan all expected to start.
Curacao: Room, Floranus, van Ejma, Gaari, Martina, Bacuna, Comenencia, Gorre, Bacuna, Kastaneer, Margaritha
Canada: St.Clair, Choiniere, De Fougerolles, Waterman, Laryea, Sigur, Oluwaseyi, Saliba, Ahmed, Buchanan, David
Anything else catch the eye?
Four of Curacao’s last six matches have produced over 3.5 goals (offered at 6/4 at BoyleSports). Canada have scored in both halves in three of their last four games in all competitions and a similar outcome is available (Canada to score in both halves at 10/11).
Canada are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory and given Curacao’s attacking output, a win and both teams to score offers more value (Canada win & BTTS YES at 2/1).
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