MIAMI, Florida– Fans of both Canada and Martinique were probably amused following the results of the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup draw last April in Los Angeles, California.
For the fourth time in Gold Cup history, the two nations will square off as Group A opens with Canada and Martinique meeting on Saturday, June 15 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
The first contest between these rivals came in Group A of the 1993 Gold Cup. On July 15 of that year at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, Canada jumped out to a 2-0 halftime lead thanks to scores from Geoff Aunger (25’) and Alex Bunbury (43’).
However, it was all Martinique in the second half, and the islanders rescued a 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Georges Gertrude (53’) and Thierry Fondelot (86’).
Nine years later, Canada and Martinique would meet in the 2002 Gold Cup quarterfinals at the Orange Bowl in Miami on January 26, and again it ended in a draw after a Mark Rogers own goal (63’) and a Kevin McKenna score (73’) had the teams even at 1-1.
A spot in the semifinals had to be decided in a penalty shootout, and there was no shortage of drama, as Canada emerged victorious 6-5 with Jason Bent scoring the decisive penalty.
The third meeting was another one not for the faint of heart. Chances were exchanged throughout in their Group A meeting at the 2013 Gold Cup on July 7 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, but it remained scoreless heading into second half stoppage time.
It looked like the teams would have to settle for a 0-0 draw, but Fabrice Reuperne had other ideas and his long-range left-footed rocket in the 90+3’ earned Martinique the 1-0 win.
If history is any indication, another close encounter will be in store when the two sides clash to kick off the 2019 Gold Cup.
