Costa Rica, Canada among those chasing U.S., Mexico
Hernan Medford has fond memories playing for the Costa Rican national team. A dangerous striker, Medford helped the Costa Rica to the second round of the 1990 World Cup and a follow up World Cup berth 12 years later.

No longer needed for his goal-scoring exploits, Medford has assumed another role with the team. Last October, Medford was installed as Costa Rica's new manager and will lead "Los Ticos" when they open their 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup schedule against Canada Wednesday night.

Costa Rica heads Group A, which also features Canada, Haiti and Guadeloupe. All Group A matches will be played in the Orange Bowl, Wednesday, Saturday and Monday night.

An eight-time Gold Cup qualifier, Costa Rica is considered the favorite in the group. But the team has never won a Gold Cup title with a runner-up finish against the United States in 2002 its best performance.

"We don't consider ourselves the favorite because we have never won a Gold Cup," Medford said. "Canada, meanwhile did win one (in 2000) and is just as strong an opponent as well as the rest of the group.

"Historically, we have had very difficult matches against Canada the past 10 years."

In addition to Medford on the touchline, Costa Rica will use the Gold Cup to introduce new players as it begins a makeover from the 2006 World Cup squad, which lost all three first-round matches. One holdover is veteran forward Rolando Fonseca, a member of the team since 1992 and Costa Rica's all-time leading scorer with 47 goals.

"We are undergoing a generational change. There is great transition of players," said Fonseca, who turns 33 on Wednesday. "The most important aspect is there a good mix of experience and youth.

"We will come and work with all. We know all teams in our group come with great aspirations. Perhaps not many talk about Haiti and Guadeloupe but they are potent and good teams."

Haiti, managed by Cuban national Luis Amelio Garcia, will be the popular attraction in the Miami draw. Haiti's Gold Cup hopes were spurred by a Caribbean Cup championship in February.

"There is certain talk about the progress Haiti is making," Garcia said. "That is owed to the hard work and effort."

Stephen Hart, serving as manager of Canada until Dale Mitchell takes over in July, will attempt to duplicate the team's best Gold Cup performances earlier in the decade. The Canadians struggled in the qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup and failed to reach the final round.

"Traditionally, Costa Rica are a strong team with a World Cup pedigree," Hart said. "We know what to expect and that will be tough matches in our group."