September Review: North America-Group 5

Standings



Game Results

Game 1-Belize def. Grenada 3-0 in St. George's, Grenada on September 2, 2011

• Belize Goals-Deon McCaulay (11'), Harrison Roches (35'), Elroy Smith (79')

Sufficed to say, any lingering questions about what form top-seed Grenada are in were answered in this game. Grenada was a wreck in this match and were thoroughly dominated by the lowest-seeded team. Belize on the other hand is in top form and proved they have a shot at winning this group.

Game 2-Guatemala def. St. Vincent/Grenadines 4-0 in Guatemala City, Guatemala on September 2, 2011

• Guatemala Goals-Marco Pappa (15'), Yony Flores (31'), Mario Rodriguez (53'), Fredy Garcia (71')

St. Vincent was just no match for the favourites from Guatemala who were on the attack relentlessly throughout the game. Guatemala cemented themselves as the best team in the group with this big win and Grenada's collapse against Belize.

Game 3-Guatemala def. Belize 2-1 in Belmopan, Belize on September 6, 2011

• Guatemala Goals-Gustavo Cabrera (4'), Minor Lopez (75')
• Belize Goals-Deon McCaulay (77')

A late goal by McCaulay was not enough for Belize as they fell 2-1 to Guatemala at home. No shame in this result for Belize as Guatemala was a much higher-rated opponent and Belize controlled the play of this game for the majority. A win in the return game will be crucial but Belize has quickly risen from Round 1 participant to having a great shot at winning this group.

Game 4-St. Vincent/Grenadines def. Grenada 2-1 in Kingstown, St. Vincent/Grenadines on September 18, 2011

• St. Vincent Goals-Myron Samuel (27'), Cornelius Stewart (71')
• Grenada Goals-Cassim Langaigne (76')

Barring a miracle, Grenada has pretty much exited the competition with this result. The top seed in the group, Grenada lost to a very weak St. Vincent team who was blown out by Guatemala just 2 weeks prior to this game. Now 6 points back of Guatemala in the group, Grenada needs to find itself immediately and start winning games if they want to avoid an early exit.

Thoughts

Belize-Very impressive. My primary complaint about CONCACAF is that the talent pool isn't deep enough to support a long qualifying campaign. Belize is in the process of proving me wrong. This team has been competing with teams considerably better than them and shooting up the rankings in the process. A win against Guatemala on the road is a must if they want to advance, but if they can keep up their play from qualifying so far, it is not as arduous a task as it might have appeared a few months ago.

Grenada-



[ed.]-I reuse videos some times when I deem it appropriate. In this case, it would be inappropriate for me NOT to post this...

Guatemala-With Grenada still wondering when qualifying begins, Guatemala has a slight lead on the rest of the group with a pair of victories in September. Guatemala can't become complacent though. A rematch against neighbour Belize still looms and they have a Grenada team to face in November who might at some point before then regain their teeth and provide a stiff test. It's a simple adage but one Guatemala needs to remain focused on: just win.

St. Vincent/Grenadines-Not really sure what to make of this team based on September results although I think the blowout loss to Guatemala means more. Grenada is a mess right now and wouldn't put up much of a fight against anyone. Guatemala on the other hand has been beating solid teams all year and dismantled St. Vincent. Don't shut the door on this team yet but they appear to be way out of their depth in this group.

Going Forward

Four more games to be played in October. Grenada and St. Vincent will again not play on the same matchday as everyone else. On the 7th, Guatemala travels to St. Vincent in what will likely be a 3rd straight win for Guatemala. Grenada will also travel to Belize in a must-win game for both teams (Grenada to avoid probable elimination and Belize to keep pace with Guatemala).

On October 11th, Belize and Guatemala have their rematch in Guatemala City. Winner of that game could very well put themselves in the driver's seat to win the group heading in to November. And on the 15th, Grenada hosts St. Vincent and will look to avenge a terrible loss on the road in September.

No teams are eligible for elimination on the 7th. Certainly there will be some facing it on the 11th/15th though.

Post-September Standing Predictions Revisited:

Prediction:

Guatemala-4 pts
Belize-4 pts
Grenada-3 pts
St.Vincent/Grenadines-0 pts

Actual:

Guatemala-6 pts
Belize-3 pts
St.Vincent/Grenadines-3 pts
Grenada-0 pts

Not my best effort. Still can't get over how pitiful Grenada has been. Rewarded with a top seed and can't accomplish anything on the field.