- Fixture: Curaçao vs El Salvador
- Date: Tuesday, 17 June 2025
- Venue: PayPal Park (Earthquakes Stadium), San Jose, California, USA
Match Preview
Group B of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup kicks off with a crucial clash between Curaçao and El Salvador in San Jose. Both teams know that with heavyweights Canada and Honduras also in the group, this opening fixture could be decisive in shaping their tournament destinies. Curaçao, under the guidance of Dick Advocaat, come into the match with confidence after a resounding 5-1 win over Haiti and a 4-0 victory against Saint Lucia in their most recent outings, extending an impressive run of form that includes seven wins from their last ten matches. El Salvador, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last five, but have drawn three of those, including their most recent World Cup qualifier—a 1-1 stalemate with Suriname.
Curaçao’s recent performances have been particularly eye-catching, with the team displaying attacking flair and defensive solidity. Their 5-1 demolition of Haiti showcased their ability to capitalize on chances, and with a largely unchanged starting XI expected, Advocaat is likely to stick with the players who delivered that emphatic result. The squad blends European-based experience with emerging local talent, and their recent results suggest they are peaking at the right time for this Gold Cup campaign.
El Salvador, coached by Hernán Gómez, have been resilient but less convincing in attack. They managed a 3-0 win over Anguilla but have struggled to turn possession into goals against stronger opposition, with three of their last four games ending in draws. The major concern for La Selecta is the fitness of Alexander Larín, their influential full-back and second-highest appearance maker, who was forced off early against Suriname and remains a major doubt for this match. His absence could force a reshuffle at the back, with Diego Flores Sanchez set to deputize if required.
Historically, El Salvador have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning four of the last seven meetings, but the last two encounters both ended 1-1, suggesting a narrowing gap between the sides. Notably, all seven previous head-to-heads have produced under 2.5 goals, and both teams have shown a tendency to keep things tight in crucial matches. With so much at stake and the fear of an early setback, a cautious approach from both sides could result in another low-scoring affair.
Key Players
Curaçao:
- Juninho Bacuna: The dynamic midfielder is a driving force in attack and has chipped in with goals and assists in recent internationals.
- Kenji Gorré: Provides pace and creativity on the wing, capable of unlocking defenses.
- Eloy Room: The experienced goalkeeper will be key in organizing the defense and keeping El Salvador at bay.
El Salvador:
- Brayan Gil: The striker is a focal point up front and scored in the recent qualifier against Suriname.
- Jairo Henríquez: Offers energy and directness from midfield, often involved in key attacking moments.
- Alexander Larín (if fit): A major influence at both ends of the pitch, though his participation is in doubt due to injury.
Prediction
Given Curaçao’s impressive form and El Salvador’s tendency to draw, this match is poised to be a closely contested affair. Curaçao’s attacking momentum gives them a slight edge, but El Salvador’s defensive discipline and experience in tight games should not be underestimated. With both sides likely to prioritize avoiding defeat, a draw—potentially 1-1 or 0-0—looks the most probable outcome, continuing the recent trend in their head-to-head meetings. Expect a tactical battle with few clear chances and under 2.5 goals.
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Selection | Fractional Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Result | Draw | 9/4 | Bet Now |
| Match Result | Curaçao Win | 27/20 | Bet Now |
| Match Result | El Salvador Win | 23/10 | Bet Now |
| Under 2.5 Goals | Yes | 8/15 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 4/5 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score | 1-1 | 5/1 | Bet Now |
| Over 3.5 Bookings | Yes | 41/20 | Bet Now |
| Anytime Goalscorer | Santos Ortiz (SLV) | 6/1 | Bet Now |
Odds are indicative and may vary. Please check the betting site for the latest prices.
Expect a tense, tactical encounter in San Jose, where both sides will be desperate not to lose ground in a fiercely competitive Group B. With form, history, and tournament pressure all pointing toward a cagey affair, the draw and under 2.5 goals markets stand out as smart betting options.
