October 7, 2008 - After nearly a full month, the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying matches resume this Saturday. Halfway through the third round, we see the usual suspects sitting atop the tables. The United State, Mexico and Costa Rica can all clinch a spot in the next round with wins in their upcoming contests. The CONCACAF betting communities are all eagerly awaiting the results of the next round to see who will qualify for the World Cup!
The United States are the biggest favorite on the board, as Uncle Sam’s Army is a 10:1 favorite when they host Cuba. The island nation returns 16:1 if they upset the Americans, and +650 for a draw. Earning even a draw will be a tough order for Cuba, as US goalkeeper Tim Howard has yet to yield a goal. Cuba, meanwhile, has lost their first three matches and own a goal differential of -6.
Mexico will play their first away match of this round, taking on Jamaica, who will make their first home game of the round. The Mexicans looked sharp when they hosted Jamaica, winning 3-0, but have not looked like their normal dominant self in one-goal home wins against Canada and Honduras. Jamaica has scored just one goal in their three games thus far while allowing six. Asian bookmakers have Mexico as a -200 favorite, with Jamaica returning +500 and a draw yielding +275.
Costa Rica by far has the highest goal differential of all the CONCACAF teams remaining, scoring eleven goals and allowing just one. The majority of that stat is due to Costa Rica’s 7-0 win against Suriname, which will be this Saturday’s opponent. Now on the road, Asian Handicap sportsbooks don’t think another blowout is in order, making Costa Rica a -200 choice. Suriname returns +625 with a draw paying 3:1.
The game with the most interest, as far as the tables are concerned, is the Trinidad & Tobago vs. Guatemala match. T&T managed a home draw with Guatemala in the first matchup back on September 6th. Keon Daniel scored first for T&T in the 83rd minute, but Guatemala found the equalizer in the 90th minute when Carlos Gallardo found the back of the net.
Both teams come in with four points, while Guatemala owns a better goal differential (+1 to -2). T&T, however, will play their final two games on their home pitch, while Guatemala will be travelling after Saturday’s match. Asian sportsbooks list Guatemala as a small +120 favorite with Trinidad & Tobago returning a 2:1 investment.
The last two games pit Canada vs. Honduras and El Salvador vs. Haiti. Canada and Haiti both need a victory to stave off elimination, but are not expected to do so. Haiti is a +190 underdog while Canada is a monster 5:1 longshot. Football bettors can get +230 on a Haiti draw and +275 if Canada plays to even.
You can place your online sports bet on every CONCACAF World Qualifying match at www.XSbet.com.
