KINGSTON, Jamaica.- The 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup breaks new ground as the Group C encounter between Curaçao and El Salvador marks the tournament debut at the Independence Park Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
The two teams meet again after facing each other in group action in the 2017 edition – a match El Salvador won 2-0 to build its way to the quarterfinals.
Monday’s match is the second time the two sides have met at the Gold Cup after Curacao made their debut in the competition two years ago. The two nations have met seven previous times, with four going El Salvador’s way while the other three ended in draws.
El Salvador Head Coach Carlos de los Cobos returns to the Gold Cup after managing the team at the 2007 and 2009 editions. He will likely look to Nelson Bonilla and Oscar Ceren, the country’s top scorers in Concacaf Nations League Qualifying, to help the team off on the right track.
Curacao will be looking for their first favorable result in the competition after going winless in their maiden voyage. Manager Remko Bicentini believes his team can be the surprise the tournament and has called on 12 returning players from the 2017 roster.
