Back in 2000, Canada created quite the shock at the Concacaf Gold Cup when they went on to win the tournament, beating invited guests Colombia 2-0 in the final. Canada needed a bit of luck to even get to that point, as they won a coin flip with South Korea to just get out of the group stage, after all three games in Group D ended in draws.

Despite having some of the best resources available to them in the confederation, though, since that Gold Cup triumph Canada have treaded water over the past two decades. In the Gold Cup, Canada have made the semifinals just twice since 2000 while failing to make it out of the group stage on five occasions. 

Though that record is a measure of success compared to attempts to make it to the World Cup, Canada, who last made it to the biggest stage in the world in 1986, haven't even made it to the hexagonal stage of Concacaf qualifying since 1998.

However, hopes are much higher now for Les Rouges, who are managed by John Herdman. There's quality all over the field for Canada, who have one of the more exciting prospects in all of world soccer: Alphonso Davies. And while Mexico is the clear favorites in Group A, Canada will be everyone's pick for to finish second, ahead of Caribbean sides Cuba and Martinique.

Player To Watch: Mark-Anthony Kaye

Davies, who appeared in the 2017 Gold Cup and currently plies his trade with Bayern Munich in Germany, is the best-known player for the Canucks. The winger is electrifying, equally capable of scoring goals or setting up teammates for goals. In addition, Canada have Scott Arfield, Cyle Larin, Lucas Cavallini, and Jonathan Osorio, among others, who could make a huge difference during this year's tournament. 

But the player who might have the biggest impact on the success for Canada this tournament is Los Angeles FC midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye. Before moving to LA last year for the inaugural season for LAFC, Kaye bounced around USL, failing to latch on with Toronto FC II, before finding a bit more success with Louisville City. 

Kaye became a starter in MLS though under the tutelage of Bob Bradley and has thrived in both seasons in the league. Kaye was starting to shine for LAFC last year, before breaking his foot in July, ending his season. But the 24-year-old has been one of the best midfielders in the league in 2019, as Bradley's side has been by far the best team in the league this year. 

What remains to be seen is if Herdman can unlock Kaye in the same way. Kaye has just seven caps to his name, so he's still finding his place within the Canadian setup. Finding a way to maximize Kaye's potential should be a big priority for Herdman, though, as Kaye can help others around him succeed in a big way.

How They Will Line Up

Well, this is a bit awkward. 

Canada have only played one friendly ahead of the Gold Cup: a behind-closed-doors game against Trinidad and Tobago. Canada won 2-0, which is promising, but no information about what lineup Herdman used was made available. 

? HIGHLIGHTS ?

Captain @scottyarf twice provided the finish on two impressive team goals as Canada defeated Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 in a closed-door training match in Fullerton, CA today. #CANMNT #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/zKCOY7vIWr

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) June 11, 2019

Back in March, Herdman did use a 4-3-3 in a Nations League game against French Guiana. That formation had Jonathan David flanked by Junior Hoilett and Cavallini up top, with Osorio, Atiba Hutchinson, and Samuel Piette in the midfield. Kaye got a start at center back, a position he has not played in with LAFC.

Larin was a substitute in the game against French Guiana, but with eight goals he has the most international tallies of any player on the Canadian squad for the Gold Cup. Obviously, that lineup also didn't include Davies, who is permanently entrenched in the starting lineup for Canada over the next 12-15 years. 

Boom Or Bust

In the past two Gold Cups, Jamaica have made it to the final. The Reggae Boyz should fancy another deep run this year, bringing a strong squad the tournament. But that's the kind of aspirations that Canada should be aiming for as well. They might not be able to take down Mexico for the title, but a run to the semifinals seems to be a reasonable ask, if not outright making the final itself. 

Canada needs to turn the corner on the men's side, and this seems to be the perfect time to do so. 

On the other hand, not making it out of this group would be another disaster for the Canucks. Cuba can ball, but Canada should be favorites to come second in Group A. A second-place finish would likely mean a quarterfinal date with Costa Rica, which would be a great test to see just how far along Canada can come in their quest to become one of the better sides in Concacaf.