Suriname were eliminated from the Gold Cup on Thursday morning. Following a 4-3 defeat to Costa Rica on matchday one, Stanley Menzo’s team lost the second group match, this time 2-0 to Mexico.
With Costa Rica winning their other game 2-1 against the Dominican Republic, Suriname can no longer reach the top two.
Damning double sinks Suriname
Suriname came close to pulling off an upset against Costa Rica in the first game. Strikes from Gyrano Kerk, Richonell Margaret and Shaquille Pinas looked to do the job despite a goal from Alonso Martinez and a penalty from former Twente striker Manuel Ugarte.
Unfortunately for Natio, though, they fumbled the 2-3 winning position before losing 4-3. Josimar Alcocer’s goal set up a tense final 15 minutes in which Ugarte converted a second penalty right at the death.
Mexico proved a far more challenging opponent. Confidently the stronger side, Los Tri dominated the stats sheet as a relatively quick-fire Cesar Montes double sunk Suriname around the hour mark. First, Montes dispatched a fine header at a corner on 57′, before then scoring an unorthodox floor-bound effort in the 63rd minute. Suriname will conclude their tournament against the Dominican Republic next Monday morning.
Curaçao have work to do after drab tournament opener
Curaçao drew their opening Gold Cup match 0-0 against El Salvador on Wednesday morning and it was fair to suggest that it was far from a classic.
Dick Advocaat fielded a side with much Dutch and European experience. Eloy Room started in goal, with Cuco Martina, Juriën Gaari, Roshon van Eijma and Sherel Floranus in front. Juninho Bacuna, Livano Comenencia and Leandro Bacuna formed the midfield, while Kenji Gorré, Jearl Margaritha, and Gervane Kastaneer formed the attack.
A determined El Salvador proved difficult to break down in San Jose, and neutralised everything Curaçao sent their way. Just after half time, Kastaneer squandered a great chance by firing straight at eventual MOTM Mario González in a one-on-one. Advocaat’s side then hit the crossbar via Margaritha before Comenencia shot over the bar from close range.
Curaçao face host country Canada up next on Sunday. They enter as a truly daunting prospect, previously thrashing Honduras 6-0 in a dominant display. The group’s conclusion against Honduras will play out on Wednesday.
