I have an exercise for you Canadian men's national team fans. I wouldn't normally do this, but I think the circumstances warrant it.
I want you to grab a piece of paper - something large, maybe an 8-by-10.
Now, grab a pen.
With the pen I want you to write 8-1 on the piece of paper. Hold it up. Stare at it. Swear at it. Get angry. Ok, done yelling at the paper yet?
No?
Fair. Throw it on the ground and stomp on it a bit.
Alright, now that you're feeling better grab a lighter and walk somewhere safe with the paper.
Burn it. Burn it real good. Let the tension and the anger float away with the ashes.
It's over. That 8-1 is gone. It will never be forgotten, but it's gone. It's time to move on.
And, what better time to do so than on the eve of our confederation championship!
No, seriously. Move on. It's time.
As usual, CSN will have you covered in the days ahead. I'll get you preview articles for each Canada game as well as a daily news round-up looking at the rest if the tournament. Squizz will provide his unique Squizzness to our post game Canadian coverage.
Later in the tournament we'll break down the knock-out stage games and, of course, will provide intensive coverage in the lead-up to the final as Canada prepares to win its second Gold Cup title.
And the preview and predictions, after the jump:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]Group A
1st - Panama
Panama is taking the tournament surprisingly seriously, likely looking at it as the path with least resistance to the world stage than the hex is (the winner will receive a half spot in the 2017 Confederations Cup and will play the 2016 Gold Cup winner for the right to represent CONCACAF in Russia).
There is experience and CONCACAF craftiness to Panama. That and, well...
2nd - Mexico
The Mexicans look terrible right now, yes. This is a different group than the one who had struggles in the Hex and Confederations Cup, but it's a bit too raw and things are going a bit too sideways. Mexico will probably get better as the tournament grows longer, but I like Panama to get the result needed to take the group.
3rd - Canada
With a "gulp." This team is scary young and it's unclear who is going to score. But, the young guns and an in form Will Johnson should have enough to get by Martinique.
Anything more will be gravy...well, it won't seem that at when we're playing the Americans in the quarters, but realistically...
4th - Martinique
They will be better than most think. The non-FIFA islands at the Gold Cup always are. But, this is a team mostly made up of domestic players from a tiny island.
They aren't Tahiti, but they are here to make up the numbers.
Group B
1st - Honduras
This is a nice mix of experience and youth and a great draw for Honduras.
God help Squizz; the draw, Mexico's form and a USA B side might make this Honduras' best chance at silverware in a generation.
2nd - El Salvador
Like Canada, this is a start of a new cycle for El Salvador. Unlike Canada there is domestic familiarity here that should allow them to raise to a clear two spot in this weak group.
3rd - Trinidad & Tobago
If you asked a random Canadian what CONCACAF team had the worst WCQ campaign they would likely say Canada.
They'd be wrong.
It was T&T, who failed to even get out of the powderpuff group into the semi-final stage.
Beating Haiti should be as much as anyone expects from this group.
4th - Haiti
Haiti is often at these events to make up the numbers and this year is no different.
They lack resources, players in top positions and would be happy with a point.
Group C
1st - USA
Team Landon-With-Something-To-Prove.
It's a clear B team, but that might be good enough. Players will be looking to prove that they should get a look for playing time in the Hex and in Brazil.
Winning the tournament is no sure thing, but there should be enough here to take the group.
2nd - Costa Rica
Similar to Honduras, Costa Rica is a nice mix of old and new and is on OK form.The difference is the draw, where the Americans' home pitch advantage should be enough to push CR down to the two slot.
3rd - Belize
Yes, Belize. Not because I think Belize is better than Cuba, but because winning a game in this tournament will mean more than Cuba.
Also...
4th - Cuba
With Cuba and the Gold Cup there is generally shenanigans. Defections or...well...
Bet against Cuba. Let's leave it at that.
Quarters:
Mexico over El Salvador
Panama over T&T
Honduras over Costa Rica
USA over Canada
Semi-finals
Mexico over Panama
Honduras over USA
Final
Honduras over Mexico