The Cubans stifled Costa Rica for periods of their first match, but were eventually outclassed. The Ticos were poor in the first half, but came out guns blazing in the second to score three times before the 77th minute. Things went much better for the United States in a 6-1 win, though they were probably less than pleased about conceding against Belize.
Expect Jurgen Klinsmann to keep his team mostly intact, though he could rotate in a few spots just to get a look at the different players in his squad.
Match date/time: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, UT
USA vs Cuba in the Gold Cup 2013 soccer tournament takes place on Saturday afternoon with the United States looking to build on their confident blowout win against Belize in their opening game. The match will kick off at 3.30 p.m. ET and can be watched online through free live stream (details below).
The United States won their opening game against Belize 6-1, but today's opposition, Cuba, should put up more resistance and provide a tougher challenge for U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann's men.
At the moment in Group C, the United States are top after their large win, but they are just ahead of Costa Rica who beat Cuba 3-0 in their opening encounter. That should mean that the U.S. are hot favorites for another good win today. Costa Rica also will be big favorites to put a hatful past lowly Belize, and that should set up a USA vs Costa Rica game to close out the group to decide who will top Group C for the knock out rounds.
The United States are the tournament favorites in many people's minds, especially given how Mexico have been in very lukewarm form and have a relatively inexperienced squad with them in this Gold Cup tournament.
Jurgen Klinsmann will be pleased with his squad right now, even though many players could be labeled as second string to his regular starting 11, they have performed well and have played with fluency and conviction.
Cuba meanwhile know they have to pull off a shock today if they are to have any reasonable chance of progressing. If they lose here today they will basically be on the brink even before their final game of the group. They will probably more realistically be looking to claim one of the two third place qualifying positions to get through to the next round. So even if they can claim a draw today it would be a massive result for them.
