Canada's 2009 Gold Cup Countdown: Glorified Friendlies?

Many people have started to look at this upcoming Gold Cup as collection of glorified friendlies. Countries like the USA and Mexico are essentially sending B-squads. With El Salvador, Costa Rica, the USA, Mexico, and Honduras all still involved with World Cup Qualifying for South Africa, the Gold Cup is not top priority. Especially for the United States as they continue on their fairy tale run through the Confederations Cup. Obviously Canada is no longer involved in World Cup Qualifying, and they were not at the Confederations Cup, so there are two options going into the tournament.

Hart may chose to experiment with the squad available. Try to work out what formations and players will work going forward, especially for 2014 qualifying. Many were advocating sending a young squad to the Gold Cup for this reason. With weakened opponents it may be a good opportunity to give the young lads a crack at CONCACAF opposition.

The squad Hart chose indicates that he won't be going this route, it looks as if he is going all out to win the tournament. Weakened opposition may give Canada a shot at taking home the Gold Cup trophy. Winning the Gold Cup would do wonders for our FIFA ranking, which has seen us put into several groups of death. Most memorably during the last World Cup Qualifying cycle when Canada was paired with Jamaica, Honduras and Mexico. Taking home a trophy like this may also bring some much needed media attention.

When Canada last won the Gold Cup in 2000 it was big news across the country, with lots of attention dedicated to the national team. Some extra exposure can only be good, especially with the sport seemingly on the up media wise at the moment.

So to those who say that next month is a group of glorified friendlies, a Continental title to a team like Canada cannot be considered a waste of time.