LONG BEACH, Calif. — Failure often leads to a desire for quick retribution.

Canada and Jamaica will get that opportunity when they square off at Home Depot Center Friday night to open the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The two teams couldn't be in more similar situations heading into the tournament, which crowns the soccer champion for North America, Central America and the Caribbean, as both are coming off disappointing World Cup qualifying campaigns.

In Jamaica's case, the disappointment was harder to handle.

After losing its first three matches, the Reggae Boyz stormed back to win its last three, only to fall just shy of advancing to the final qualifying round on goal differential to Mexico.