Canada missed out on the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup as USA progressed in second place with a 1-0 win over Guadeloupe in Group C.
Jozy Altidore scored the only goal with a 25-yard piledriver in the ninth minute. In the process, the Americans secured second place in Group C of the Gold Cup, and now they'll face a red-hot Jamaica side in Saturday's first quarter-final at RFK Stadium in Washington.
Other than a shaky early exchange when a Guadeloupe corner fell invitingly in the penalty box, the U.S. was for the most part dominant. The switch of Carlos Bocanegra into the center of defence added much needed stability in the back. The Americans also showed more urgency on offense, using the flanks effectively to create countless opportunities to score.
While Guadeloupe goalkeeper Franck Grandel delivered a string of impressive saves, the U.S. was also guilty of some shocking misses that bordered on the comical, none more so than Clint Dempsey's blown chance in the 76th minute. Presented with a simple tap-in after being set up brilliantly by Alejandro Bedoya, Dempsey's casual attitude allowed an opposition defender to recover and block his shot.
The U.S. will likely trot out the old, "Well, at least we're creating chances" bromide, but that won't fool anyone. Instead, it will only reinforce the perception that something is missing from the U.S. side in this Gold Cup.
Panama cemented top spot after a 1-1 draw against Canada in Kansas City.
Blas Perez equalised in stoppage time for Panama to cancel out Dwayne De Rosario's 62nd-minute penalty.
Panama topped the group with seven points, one ahead of USA, with Canada two further back. Panama now face El Salvador.
