Jamaica vs Mexico prediction: NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA: Gold Cup – Play Offs betting tips on match 2023-07-12 02:00.
After getting the better of a plucky Guatemala side by a slender 1-0 margin, Jamaica are just two wins away from lifting a first CONCACAF Gold Cup, a trophy which would be their maiden outside of the now-abolished Caribbean Cup. It has been an exciting journey to the semi-finals with 11 goals scored and just two conceded (W3, D1), although the only game they failed to win (1-1) came against potential final opponents, USA.
That should bode well for the Reggae Boyzâs chances against Mexico, who are a proud nation sitting three places below the USA in FIFAâs rankings. Heimir HallgrĂmssonâs side havenât conceded before the interval in this tournament, and keeping it tight could be key if Jamaica are to overcome their underdog status and improve upon a run of just two wins from nine H2Hs across the last decade (D3, L4).
Mexico barely broke a sweat as they scored two second-half goals to get the better of Haiti in the quarter-final, a result which confirmed the record-holding eight-time Gold Cup winners a ninth straight semi-final appearance. Six of those prior appearances at this stage saw them reach the final, and theyâll be hoping to maintain the status quo with a potential meeting with bitter rivals and seven-time winners, USA, on the cards.
Affectionately known as âEl Actorâ, Mexicoâs interim boss Jaime Lozano has overseen solid form so far in his short time in charge (W3, L1). The rising action is often initially subdued, with Mexico failing to score before the break in each of their last three games, whilst bagging five goals beyond half-time. El Tri may need a couple of goals to avoid a tragic resolution though, with no clean sheets across the last five H2Hs.
Players to watch: Demarai Gray has announced himself to the Jamaican national team in some style, maintaining a rate of one goal contribution per game since his debut in this tournament (G2, A2). Never missing his cue, OrbelĂn Pineda curiously found the net in the 52nd minute of both Mexicoâs opening game and their quarter-final victory.
Hot stat: Just one of Jamaicaâs last six internationals was level at half-time (HT: W4, D1, L1).