With the third and final round of group stage matches kicking off on Sunday, it's time to brush up on all the tiebreakers that are guaranteed to come into play.
The top two teams from each group get automatic berths to the quarterfinals (check the standings here), but the two third-place teams with the most points also go through.
Here are the tiebreakers that will determine the group standings, according to the official 2013 Gold Cup regulations:
(1) Points obtained in group matches;
(2) Goal difference in all group matches;
(3) Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches;
(4) Greatest number of points obtained in group matches between the teams concerned;
(5) Drawing of lots by the Gold Cup Organizing Committee.
The above tiebreaker sequence -- except for No. 4 -- will also apply to determine any tiebreakers among the third-placed teams.
Canada will have its work cut out to clinch one of three potential berths from Group A as they trail Mexico and Martinique in goal difference (Canada is at -3) and goals scored (Canada is scoreless thus far in the Gold Cup) going into Sunday's final matchday in Group A.
The Canadians will be looking to beat Panama by more than a goal (3:30 ET), while also hoping for a winner in the Mexico vs. Martinique match-up (5:30 ET). A draw in the Group A finale between Mexico and Martinique would officially eliminate Canada.
The USMNT, Costa Rica and Panama are the only teams to have clinched spots in the quarterfinals thus far. Here's how the quarterfinals shape up entering the final matchday of the group stage:
Sat., July 20 (Atlanta): A2 (Mexico) vs. B2 (Haiti)
Sat., July 20 (Atlanta): A1 (Panama) vs. B3/C3 (El Salvador)
Sun., July 21 (Baltimore): B1 (Honduras) vs. C2 (Costa Rica)
Sun., July 21 (Baltimore): C1 (USA) vs. A3/B3 (Martinique)
