2011 Central American Cup

The Jaguars are currently preparing for their 2011 Central American Cup campaign, following one of the best results in their history. The 0-0 friendly draw with Trinidad and Tobago at the Goal Project, Belmopan on September 10th in front of 5,000 fans, represented a major achievement for Jose de la Paz Herrera's men given that prior to kick-off the Soca Warriors stood over one hundred places higher than the Belizeans in the FIFA World Rankings. Indeed, the result could have been even better for the hosts had Elroy Smith not hit the crossbar with a second-half penalty. Belize's own World Ranking has risen twelve places from 180th to 168th as a consequence of this fine result, with expectations now raised that they could reach their first ever CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament next year. The draw for the Gold Cup's qualifying event - the aforementioned Central American Cup in January next year - has now been made, with Belize being drawn in Group A alongside hosts Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Although The Jaguars are currently the lowest ranked team in the tournament (Group B consisting of Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala) current form indicates that they are very capable of finishing in the competition's top five, which would be enough to see them clinch Gold Cup qualification. The top two teams in each group make it through to the semi-finals and therefore the top-four, with the two third-placed teams playing-off for the 'Golden' fifth place. This coming weekend sees a potential dress rehearsal of this latter game, when Belize meet Guatemala in a friendly match in San Jose, Peten.

Belize's upcoming fixtures:

09th October 2010 vs Guatemala (Friendly match in San Jose, Peten)
14th January 2011 vs Panama (CAC)
16th January 2011 vs El Salvador (CAC)
18th January 2011 vs Nicaragua (CAC)

(All three games to take place in Panama City at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez)

The semi-finals and 5th place play-off will take place on January 21st, with the 3rd/4th place play-off and Final, two days later.