The 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup was the fourth edition of the Gold Cup, the soccer championship of North and Central America (CONCACAF).
The tournament was once again held in the United States, in Los Angeles, Miami, and Oakland. The format of the tournament changed from 1996: it was expanded to ten teams, with four in Group A and three each in Groups B and C. The top team in each group, plus the second place in Group A would advance to the semifinals. Brazil was invited again, and brought their senior team this time.
Jamaica, getting ready for the 1998 World Cup, pulled the stunner of the first round. They didn't even qualify for the tournament, but Canada withdrew, granting them a spot. The Reggae Boyz then topped Group A over Brazil (they tied the South Americans 0-0). In the semifinals, the US finally beat their Brazilian nemesis, as Preki scored the lone goal and Kasey Keller had and amazing game in the net for the victory. Unfortunately for the US, they couldn't repeat that performance in front of a pro-Mexican final crowd in Los Angeles. The tri-colores won their third straight Gold Cup, 1-0, on a Luis Hernandez goal.
First Round
Group A
Group B
Group C
Semifinals
Third place match
Final
Top Scorers
4 goals
3 goals
Awards
Most Valuable Player
Best XI
External links
Paolo Wanchope
Luis Hernandez
Kasey Keller
Ze Maria
Paul Hall