Dominican Republic and Suriname go head to head in a Group A fixture at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. With the fate of both teams decided, the match serves as an opportunity for both sides to bow out with some pride in a spirited finale.
Dominican Republic come into this game off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Costa Rica last time out. With the result, they remain without a single point in this year’s tournament having lost their opening group game 3-2 to Mexico.
Their early exit is largely down to a leaky defence that has conceded five goals in two games, continuing a trend from previous matches. However, they have been strong going forward, scoring in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Suriname also head into their final Group A match already eliminated after losing their opening two fixtures. They began with a 4-3 defeat to Costa Rica and followed that up with a 2-0 loss to Mexico.
Stanley Menzo’s men showed some attacking threat in the defeat to Costa Rica and will be keen to carry that form into this clash. However defensive problems have been an issue, with six goals conceded in just two Gold Cup matches.
How the bookies view it: Little to separate them
There is little to separate both teams, with a win for Dominican Republic priced at 13/10 by BoyleSports, who are also offering odds of 6/4 for a Suriname victory. A draw is set at odds of 12/5.
Head to head: Dominican Republic on top
There have been only two previous meetings between Dominican Republic and Suriname, with both clashes coming in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. The Dominican Republic played out a 1-1 away draw in the first match before earning a 3-1 home win in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Dependable Federico
Peter Federico has netted twice in his last three games for Dominican Republic and could be the one to watch. The forward could combine with Edison Azcona to produce over 1.5 goals for the hosts – valued at 11/10 with BoyleSports.
Gyrano Kerk and Richonell Margaret linked up to produce two of the three goals Suriname have scored in the Gold. They could combine once again to serve up over 1.5 goals – priced at 6/5.
Probable lineups:
The Dominican Republic have a fully fit squad to pick from for this clash. The likes of Jean Lopez, Federico and Azcona expected to keep their spots in the lineup.
Suriname also also have no injury concerns as they boast a fully fit squad. Kenneth Paal, Kerk and Margaret are all expected to remain in the lineup.
Dominican Republic: Valdez, Urbaez, Kaparos, Rosario, Pujol, Dollenmayer, Federico, Morschel, Lopez, Reyes, Romero
Suriname: Vaessen, Dijksteel, Van Gelderen, Malone, Pinas, Haps, Jubitana, Paal, Margaret, Kerk, Vlijter
Anything else catch the eye?
Dominican Republic’s last four matches have produced over 2.5 goals (valued at 7/10 with BoyleSports). There have also been goals in both halves in their last 10 matches in all competitions and there is enough attacking quality to serve up this outcome (goal in both halves at 4/6).
Three of Dominican Republic's last four matches have produced over 1.5 goals in the first half and that trend could continue here (first half over 1.5 at goals 6/4).
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