the precursor to the Gold Cup -- and reached their only World Cup finals in 1974.
Guadeloupe's soccer tradition is even shorter, almost to the point of being non-existent. As a French territory, the Caribbean archipelago's claim to football fame has been providing players to the French national team. Defender Lilian Thuram was born in Guadeloupe, as was Arsenal forward Thierry Henry's father.
This year's Gold Cup is the first-ever international competition Guadeloupe will take part in. Because Guadeloupe is a department of France, it is not recognized by FIFA as a separate association and therefore, even if it wins, it cannot represent CONCACAF at the FIFA World Club Championship in December.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
