GAME INFORMATION: 6:30 P.M., SUNDAY, JULY 11 AT CHILDREN’S MERCY PARK, KANSAS CITY, KAN.
TV: FS1
BETTING ODDS: CANADA -500/MARTINIQUE +1200/DRAW +475
TOTALS: OVER 2.5 -155/UNDER 2.5 +115
This is a rematch of the opening match from the 2019 Gold Cup, and Martinique will be hoping things go better than last time. Les Matinino has traditionally punched above its weight in this tournament, but that didn’t happen against Canada two years ago, as the Reds routed Martinique by a 4-0 count on their way to an appearance in the knockout stage. Canada should be looking for a big number in this one because it’s competing with the United States for first place in Group B, and a large goal differential should give the Reds a chance to play for the tie in their final match. That shouldn’t be an issue against Martinique, which hasn’t played a match since 2019 because it isn’t a FIFA member and didn’t play any matches during the pandemic.
MATCH BET: CANADA AND OVER 2.5 GOALS, -130
Reason: Odds are that either this bet or taking Canada to win to nil will cash, but this bet offers a slightly better payout and a bit lower risk than taking the win to nil. Canada has won its past five matches to nil, but it has also put home at least three goals in five of its past six matches. With Alphonso Davies missing because of injury, I’d rather put my money on Canada’s attackers than its defense.
SCORE BET: CANADA 3, MARTINIQUE 0, +625
Reason: Canada sits in that mid-range of CONCACAF nations who are good enough to beat the lesser nations of the confederation with ease but not quite up to the level of Mexico or the United States. The Reds had no problems with Martinique two years ago, and Canada has been playing regularly while Martinique has not. This score might be a little lower without Davies on the pitch, but this should be a comfortable win for the Canucks.
SIDE BET: CANADA TO WIN BOTH HALVES, +140
Reason: When the teams met two years ago, Canada got one goal in the first half before the floodgates opened. In its past six matches, Canada has won both halves four times, with the two exceptions coming against Haiti. Haiti’s on a slightly higher plane than Martinique, which is a lot closer to the likes of Suriname and Bermuda, both of whom lost by four goals to Canada in the past four months. The loss of Davies does give me a slight pause, but Canada should have more than enough of a talent gap to control this game.
