Cult heroes Costa Rica set for more success in Gold Cup Group B

Pool B must be navigated though, and the group is not all about Costa Rica, as Canada, El Salvador and Jamaica complete the competitive collection.

The Canucks are short on quality and spark, in stark contrast to their women’s team who made it to quarter-finals of the 2015 Women’s World Cup, in which the North American nation are still playing host.

Familiar Canadian names such as West Ham United’s recent winter purchase Doneil Henry and QPR outcast Junior Hoilett, whose international allegiance remains unresolved, will not feature. However, Hapoel Haifa hitman Tosaint Ricketts will provide a goal threat, while Birmingham City-owned defender David Edgar should play a part in Canada’s quest.

Pacific Ocean outfit El Salvador, meanwhile, may be the minnows of the pool but a quarter-final finish in 2013 shows they are not without merit.

Undoubtedly Costa Rica’s biggest competition for Group B top spot is Caribbean country Jamaica, who are 12/5 to steal first place. The Reggae Boyz lost all three of their 2015 Copa America outings by a 1-0 margin, but illustrated impressive defensive discipline.

Premier League backline marshals Adrian Mariappa and Wes Morgan, of Crystal Palace and Leicester City respectively, are key to Jamaica’s organised rearguard. Championship stars Rodolph Austin (released by Leeds United) and England-born pair Simon Dawkins (Derby County) and Garath McCleary (Reading) add depth in midfield.

The Reggae Boyz’ main concerns remain in attack and their lack of potency should ensure Costa Rica sail ahead, as none of Giles Barnes, another recruit of English roots, Darren Mattocks or Allan Ottey were on target in Chile.