2019 Gold Cup - Group A Recaps - Mexico, Canada Rout Opening Opponents

It was pretty clear before the Gold Cup started that Mexico were not just the favorites of the group, but also the favorites of the tournament. Canada’s recent resurgence in the region made them likely quarterfinal contenders, but all doubts were put to rest yesterday in their opening matches.

Canada posted their largest win in Gold Cup history with a 4-0 victory over Martinique while Mexico pasted Cuba 7-0 in the nightcap and both teams sit atop the Group A standings on three points.

CANADA 4, MARTINIQUE 0

Jonathan David scored a brace with goals in both halves and Junior Hoilett and captain Scott Arfield added to the lead in the second half as Canada secured the win. David, a 19 year old striker who plays for Gent in Belgium, scored his 5th and 6th international goals in just his 5th appearance, adding to the four goals he scored in Nations League qualification.

Martinique star forward Kevin Parsemain put four of his eight total shots on target but was unable to help his team find a breakthrough. Keeper Loic Chauvet had seven saves in the loss.

MEXICO 7, CUBA 0

A hat trick from last minute replacement Uriel Antuna of the LA Galaxy propelled El Tri to a massive rout over Cuba in yesterday’s second game. Raul Jimenez added a brace and goals from Diego Reyes and Alexis Vega completed the scoring and erased any questions of how Mexico might perform with so many injured stars.

Cuba never tested Memo Ochoa in goal, managing just three shots in total and all off target. Mexico had a 71-29% edge in possession and completed 92% of their 675 total passes. Cuban keeper tallied 8 saves in the loss.

All four teams play again on Wednesday, June 19th from Mile High Stadium in Denver, with Cuba-Martinique as the opener at 8pm Eastern followed by Mexico-Canada at 1030pm.