Jesus Ferreira hat-tricks among top moments in Groups A & B

MIAMI, Florida – The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup group stage has concluded for Groups A and B, as the United States, Jamaica, Mexico and Qatar booked their spots in the quarterfinals.

There were many memorable moments from the start of the tournament, but here are the three that stood out the most from each of the two groups.

Group A

Gray's big Jamaica debut

Demarai Gray made an impact for Jamaica from his first appearance. His pinpoint accuracy on a free kick opportunity provided the assist for Damion Lowe’s header that resulted in a 1-1 tie with the United States in the opening match of the group stage.

He then earned his first international brace with The Reggae Boyz in the 4-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago to set up a possibility of winning the group. As Jamaica moves on to the knockout round, Gray will be a player for opposing defenses to be wary of. 

Ferreira’s hat-trick feat 

History was made by Jesus Ferreira in the United States’ latter two group stage matches. The 22-year-old forward became the first player to score back-to-back hat-tricks in the Gold Cup, doing so against Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago to help the U.S. win the group on goal differential.

In his debut edition, Ferreira has risen up the charts to lead the Golden Boot race. Five goals separate him from Luis Roberto Alves’ (Zague) all-time record of 11 goals in the 1993 edition.

Turner leaving mark with penalty save and clean sheets

Jamaica might have won Group A if not for United States goalkeeper Matt Turner. Winner of the Best Goalkeeper Award in the 2021 Gold Cup, Turner picked up where he left off with a pivotal save on a penalty kick to help the U.S. secure a 1-1 draw with Jamaica in the opening match.

Rested in the second match, Turner was again between the three posts to deliver a clean sheet against Trinidad and Tobago. The 29-year-old goalkeeper now has amassed six clean sheets across two editions and doesn’t look to be letting up anytime soon.

Group B

Another Haiti comeback and a milestone for Nazon

Haiti started its group stage with a fourth comeback victory dating back to 2019, as they rallied from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Qatar 2-1 with the winning goal coming deep into second half stoppage time.

Four seems to be the theme, as FW Duckens Nazon made history by becoming the first Caribbean player to score in four Gold Cup editions. Nazon scored twice in the 2015 tournament, tallied another two in 2019, then scored three in the 2021 Prelims before celebrating in a fourth Gold Cup with a penalty conversion against Qatar.

Mexico get winning start under new coach Lozano

After heartbreak in the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League Finals, Mexico looked rejuvenated in its first match under interim coach Jaime Lozano. A four-goal victory, with a clean sheet from legendary GK Guillermo Ochoa, over Honduras provided a fast-paced start for the ‘LamborJimmy’, the beloved nickname given to this squad by the Mexico fans.

Mexico added another three goals in a 3-1 victory over Haiti to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals. That proved enough to win Group B, as Lozano hopes to capture his first Gold Cup title as a manager after coming close during his playing days.

Qatar reach quarterfinals in dramatic fashion

Asian Cup winners Qatar impressed in its debut two years ago by reaching the semifinals in 2021, and in 2023 the recent World Cup hosts have brought some new faces to this tournament.

Last minute conceded goals meant defeat to Haiti and a tie with Honduras, but Carlos Queiroz’s men delivered a complete performance in their group finale. With a 1-0 victory over Mexico, Qatar moves on to the quarterfinals and may be clicking at the best time.