Costa Rica vs Martinique
MALAGA, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 11: The Costa Rica line up for a team photo prior to the international friendly match between Spain and Costa Rica at La Rosaleda Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
After defeat on matchday one, will Costa Rica get off the mark as they return to home soil?
On Thursday night, los Ticos were beaten 2-0 by Panama at Estadio Olímpico Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez.
Three years ago, Costa Rica topped their Nations League group, before being beaten by Mexico on penalties in the semi-finals last summer.
If Luis Fernando Suárez’s side are to be at next year’s finals too, this is surely must win.
Having said all of that, Costa Rica are really using these two Nations League games as preparation for their gigantic fixture coming up next week.
In nine days time, they’ll take on New Zealand in an inter-confederation play-off in Qatar, with the winners qualifying for the World Cup.
So, having seen their seven-match unbeaten run come to an end, will Costa Rica claim a moral boosting victory, ahead of that huge game to come?
Martinique meanwhile are competing in the Nations League’s top-tier, despite not actually being a FIFA member.
Les Matinino survived at this level in 2019, drawing three of four matches, edging out Trinidad & Tobago to second spot.
Also, Martinique have appeared at four of the last five Gold Cups, showing they are an emerging force in the CONCACAF region.
This though is their first competitive game since last July, meaning Costa Rica should be too strong at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica.
Guatemala vs Belize
Guatemala’s Luis Martínez (L) celebrates after scoring a goal during the Gold Cup Prelims football match between Guatemala and Guadeloupe at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 6, 2021. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
After suffering a shock defeat on matchday one, can Guatemala bounce back?
Los Chapines came into the second edition of the Nations League with a 100% record in this competition, scoring 25 goals in their four outings.
However, in their first game at League B level, they were beaten 2-0 by French Guinea at Stade Municipal Dr. Edmard Lama on Thursday.
So, if Luis Fernando Tena’s side are to keep alive their dream of back-to-back promotions, this one is surely must win.
Belize were also beaten 2-0 on the competition’s opening night, going down against Dominican Republic in Belmopan.
The Jaguars only just survived at this level in 2019, finishing one point clear of danger, and that’ll surely be their aim again.
So, despite their midweek result, Guatemala should be too strong at Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores.
Dominican Republic vs French Guinea
The two winners from matchday one in Group D of League B will put their 100% records on the line at Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez.
French Guinea caused the night’s upset by beating group favourites Guatemala 2-0 in Rémire-Montjoly.
Joel Sarrucco broke the deadlock early before Thomas Némouthé doubled their lead on the verge of half time.
The Yana Dòkòs were very inconsistent at this level in 2019, winning twice, drawing twice and losing twice.
But, if Thierry De Neef’s team can add another victory here, they’ll be in pole position for promotion, at this early stage.
Dominican Republic though will feel exactly the same after they beat Belize 2-0 in Belmopan on Thursday.
Jean Carlos López and then Dorny Romero the scorers in that road victory.
The Quisqueyanos have never qualified for the Gold Cup in 13 attempts, hoping to reach the 2023 edition by topping this section.
Who will claim three important points in Santo Domingo?
Antigua and Barbuda vs Guadeloupe
DENVER, CO – JUNE 06: The Trophy of Championship is displayed during the CONCACAF Nations League Championship Final between United States and Mexico at Empower Field At Mile High on June 6, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Will either make it two wins out of two in the CONCACAF Nations League?
On Thursday night, Guadeloupe left it late but beat Cuba 2-1 at Stade René Serge Nabajoth.
Grégory Gendrey opened the scoring before, just as the clock ticked 90, Thierry Ambrose snatched the win for the home side.
The Gwada Boys won promotion to this level in 2019, topping their League C group above Turks and Caicos Islands and Sint Marteen.
Having also made their Gold Cup return last summer, Guadeloupe are certainly on the up, looking to continue this trajectory.
Antigua and Barbuda meanwhile also left it late to win on matchday one, beating Barbados 1-0 at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
Shavorn Philip scoring the night’s only goal, coming in second half stoppage time.
The Benna Boys won three and lost three in League B three years ago, but are now dreaming of promotion to the top-tier.
Will either pull clear at the top of the standings with another victory at Warner Park Sporting Complex?
Cuba vs Barbados
After both were beaten on matchday one, who will get off the mark in Santiago de Cuba?
On Thursday night, Cuba heartbreakingly began their CONCACAF Nations League campaign with a defeat.
They looked set to leave Les Abymes with a credible point, Maikel Reyes equalising late on, before Guadeloupe won the game in stoppage time.
This means the Lions of the Caribbean have now lost all five matches in this competition, suffering relegating from League A last time round.
Similarly, Barbados were beaten 1-0 by Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday, with the only coming after the 90th minute.
The Bajan Tridents won promotion to this level in 2019, topping their League C group above Cayman Islands, Saint Martin and U.S. Virgin Islands.
However, early indications are that these two will be fighting to avoid relegation to the bottom-tier this year.
Will Cuba make home advantage count at Estadio Antonio Maceo?
Dominica vs Anguilla
For the second time in just three days, Dominica and Anguilla go head-to-head.
On Thursday night, the two featured in the opening game of this new Nations League season at Raymond E. Guishard Technical Centre.
The match finished goalless with Dominica creating three or four clear-cut chances to win it.
It’s certainly a more impressive point for Anguilla who are ranked 210th in the world by FIFA, meaning only San Marino are below them.
Before this, Anguilla had lost nine consecutive competitive internationals, conceding 47 goals.
So this time, back at home, Dominica will very much targeting all three points.
Rajesh Latchoo’s side were relegated from League B in 2019 so are aiming for an immediate return to the second-tier.
However, having dropped two points on Thursday, and with games against Saint Lucia to come, this is must win.
Will Dominica be too strong, this time, as the two reconvene at Warner Park Sporting Complex?
