Cuban rematch

U.S. to face neighbor in Gold Cup quarterfinals

ATLANTA (SI.com) -- The United States will face Cuba for the second-consecutive Gold Cup tournament when they meet in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Foxboro, Mass.

Kickoff at Gillette Stadium is set for 3 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on Univision.

"We're looking forward to the opportunity of playing against Cuba in the quarterfinals," said U.S. manager Bruce Arena. "Cuba played very well against us last year, and have proven to be a difficult opponent. Our team will certainly come prepared to play Saturday."

Costa Rica defeated Cuba 3-0 in the final match of Group D play on Wednesday. A full volley blast from Walter Centeno seconds into first-half stoppage time gave Costa Rica the early lead, and goals by substitutes Steve Bryce and Erick Scott sealed the Ticos place as the top team in the group.

All three teams finished with three points, with Cuba edging past Canada for second place based on goals scored.

Cuba earned its first-ever Gold Cup victory on Tuesday, as Lester More scored a goal in each half in a 2-0 upset win over Canada.

In the quarterfinals, Costa Rica will face the winner of the El Salvador vs. Martinique match to be played later Wednesday.

Had Costa Rica finished second in its group, it would have faced the U.S. in the quarterfinals, pitting the Americans against former coach Steve Sampson. Now, the two teams would not meet until the final.

The United States also met Cuba in last year's Gold Cup, winning 1-0 in the second match of Group A. Brian McBride scored from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute to improve the U.S. all-time record against Cuba to 3-1-1, also ensuring their advancement to the quarterfinals on their way to the regional championship.

The U.S. advanced this year with a pair of 2-0 victories, first against El Salvador and then against Martinique. Brian McBride has three goals for the U.S., and Steve Ralston has assisted on each of those.

Should the U.S. advance, the semifinals are to be played in Miami on July 23 and Mexico City on July 24, with the championship final scheduled for July 27 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

 

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