Dobson on Gold Cup: Work in progress

Canada had a disappointing performance vs. Guadeloupe.

Canada needs to improve after an underwhelming performance vs. Guadeloupe at the Gold Cup.

So what to make of Canada's less than inspiring 1-0 win over Guadeloupe?

Remember that even though they are not an official member of FIFA, Guadeloupe is an overseas department of France, and they have some decent players. And also consider that Guadeloupe opened the tournament by losing 3-2 to Panama, and yet scored twice after having a man sent off.

Yes that would be the same Panama that beat the United States 2-1, which in turn humbled Canada 2-0. I think the bottom line is that every match has to be looked at independently.

Now, having said that, this was a disappointing performance wasn't it? A very predictable offence that never found a way to break down an undermanned opponent. There needs to be more communication on the pitch. If something isn't working, try something different. Maybe I'm missing something. Maybe they did, but the final ingredient was always AWOL.

Stephen Hart made four changes during the match. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes some more against Panama Tuesday evening in Kansas City. Injuries have been forcing his hand somewhat and that might still be the case on Tuesday.

I suspect Marcel De Jong will return to the lineup. If Atiba Hutchinson is ready, I wonder if Terry Dunfield will be the odd man out. We'll also have to wait on the status of GK Milan Borjan after that awful collision late in the game, which could have been a straight red for Guadeloupe's Livio Nabab. If Borjan is fine, he'll start.

Canada's schedule called for a travel day Sunday, a full morning training session Monday if they can find a decent pitch, and then a light stadium walk later in the day at Livestrong Sporting Park. And then it really gets interesting.

The top two teams in each of the three groups automatically qualify along with the two third place teams with the best records. With Panama beating the U.S, its possible those two, along with Canada could end up in a three way tie for first in Group C. It's also possible that the third place teams in the other two groups could finish with 4 points, in fact its quite likely and right now Canada has only 3.

This tournament always throws us some odd scores and it results in some craziness at the end of the group stage. Remember, Canada had to endure a coin toss as a last resort tiebreaker to see who would advance. I wouldn't be surprised to see that scenario unfold once again this year. Hang on to your hats on Tuesday night. It's going to be a wild ride. Holger Osieck are you watching?

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