Martinique Can Match Their Gold Cup Record
With just one match left to play in CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B there is all to play for in terms of qualification.
Only Nicaragua are realistically out of the competition having failed to pick up a point in their two matches.
However, with United States and Panama on 4 points and Martinique on 3 points, all three of these nations will believe they can qualify for the quarter-final.
With the two best third place teams going through, Martinique start the third round of group games as the top third place team. Therefore, a point should be enough to see them qualify for the quarter-final for just the second time in their history.
However, they have a tough final match against a Panama team who have all but booked their place in the next round of the tournament.
Panama have drawn one and won one of their two group games and sit second behind the United States due to scoring one goal less than the hosts. Panama started the tournament with a good 1-1 draw with the United States and this was set to be their toughest match in the group.
With a point to build on, Panama were forced to come from behind in their match against Nicaragua, conceding a goal on 49 minutes. A goal from Ismael Diaz just a minute later and a strike from Gabriel Torres 7 minutes after that was enough to seal maximum points for Panama.
This was an important win for Panama because trends show they were on a run of five games without a win prior to that result. They lost just one of those five games but with four draws in a row, it was important Panama won a match.
Martinique came into the 2017 CONCACAF Cup on the back of two defeats in the Caribbean Cup. The 2-1 loss to Curacao and 1-0 defeat to French Guyana suggested Martinique were going to struggle to get beyond the group stages of the tournament, something they have done only once in their history.
However, a good 2-0 win over Nicaragua not only gave Martinique 3 points but improved their confidence ahead of their second match against the United States. Despite losing the match 3-2, Martinique gave a good account of themselves and will feel they can take something from this game.
Both teams are unlikely to make many changes for this match, with qualification still on the line. Panama will lead with Ismael Diaz and Gabriel Torres up-front and Martinique will call upon Kevin Parsemain to add to the 3 goals he has already scored in the tournament.
Panama have been forced to come from behind in both group matches and with Martinique looking dangerous in-front of goal, must be wary of falling behind again. Do not be surprised to see this match finish level, with both teams scoring, a result which would suit each team and should see them progress to the next round.
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