The US men’s national team will meet Martinique on Thursday in their second group game in the 2021 Gold Cup.
The United States enters the match after defeating Haiti 1-0 in its tournament opener, where young Major League Soccer players made their debut with the senior team. Sporting Kansas City midfielder Gianluca Busio and Colorado Rapids defender Sam Vines established themselves as two figures to watch out for, and did well enough against Haiti to expect a place in the starting lineup.
Martinique must improve drastically ahead of Thursday’s match after losing 4-1 to Canada in their kick off match. The Caribbean nation initially led the match with a goal before crumbling at the first sign of a Canadian attack. The small nation has not won a match since the Gold Cup 2019, but that does not mean that the United States can write them off yet.
Here is everything you need to know about the match …
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Gregg Berhalter under United States vs. Haiti- 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup / Omar Vega / Getty Images
When is kick off? Thursday 15 July, 21:30 (ET), Friday 16 July 02:30 (GMT + 1)Where is the match played? Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas CityWhich TV channel is it on? Fox Sports 1 (US), Univision (US)What livestream is it on? TUDN app (USA), Univision NU (USA), Fox Sports app (USA), fuboTV (USA), Premier Sports (UK)
Gianluca Busio Under USA vs. Haiti-2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup / John Dorton / ISI Photos / Getty Images
Despite the results and the positive performances from young MLS players, USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter expressed his disappointment after the 1-0 victory against Haiti. Berhalter expected more from his side, demanding cleaner passes and sharper offensive runs.
Sam Vine’s goal in the eighth minute led the inexperienced team to a strong first 45 minutes before stopping and fighting Haiti in the second half. By all means, USMNT will secure its fifth consecutive victory and challenge Canada for the top spot in Group B.
The team did not report any new official injuries before the match, but Paul Arriola is still hesitant to start after finishing the match against Haiti in the 14th minute with a hoarding question.
Canada vs. Martinique: Group B – 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup / Omar Vega / Getty Images
Martinique started strong against Canada before the North American nation gained offensive speed and scored four quick goals. Caribbean territory will need to defeat the reigning Concacaf Nations League champions to maintain the Gold Cup jump, a feat they have not done in their previous two meetings.
Fortunately, the team does not report any new injuries before the match on Thursday with Emmanuel Riviere who is expected to be the star in the starting lineup.
USA: Turner; Pines, Zimmerman, Robinson, Vines; Acosta, Roldan, Lletget; Busio, Zardes, Gioacchini.
Martinique: Meslien; Dondon, Cretinoir, Barthelery, Camille; Grelet, Abaul, Herelle; Fortune, Riviere, Pastel.
The United States and Martinique have only played each other twice in history, with the North American country winning on both occasions. The two matches were played at separate Gold Cup tournaments, one in 2003 and the other in 2017.
Despite the shallow result against Haiti, the US men’s national team is expected to defeat Martinique. Sebastian Lletget and Gianluca Busio will probably be on the points list to continue their progress under Gregg Berhalter.
The Caribbean nation must remain sharp and focus on its defensive capabilities to avoid another 4-1 fate.
Prediction: USA 3-0 Martinique
