Panama are staring at elimination from Copa America, while their opponents USA are one step away from qualifying for the next round.
Panama were always considered the underdog in this tough group comprising the USA and Uruguay, along with the addition of Bolivia. Thomas Christiansen’s men did show plenty of character in their opening game against Uruguay for about 80 minutes, after which the dominoes began falling one after the other.
Panama conceded early in the game to a Maximiliano Araujo strike, but held their own and even came close to equalising against Uruguay. However, a late Darwin Nunez strike and an injury-time goal from Matias Vina proved enough for Marcelo Bielsa’s men to secure three points, although Panama did score late on through Michael Amir Murillo, which was only good enough for a consolation.
Christiansen’s side are now facing elimination from Copa America for the second time in as many appearances in the competition. However, things could take a dramatic turn should Panama manage to steal a point or, better yet, get a victory over the USA. This would truly open up the group and a possible fight for second place, especially considering their opponents still have to face Uruguay in the final group match.
Since 1987, every host nation of the Copa America has progressed from the group stages into the knockout rounds. The USA are very close to continuing that tradition as they take on Panama, knowing well that a victory would be enough for them to move into the next round. The final group game against Uruguay might only determine which team finishes first.
Better yet, should La Celeste drop points in any manner or form against Bolivia, and the USA secure a win against Panama, the host nation will have the first spot in their hands. For that to happen, Gregg Belhalter’s side must secure a victory over Panama.
In their opening game against Bolivia, the USA started nicely, with Christian Pulisic finding the net in the third minute. Folarin Balogun then doubled the advantage just before the break, as the hosts put in a dominant display in the final third while essentially restricting Bolivia to half chances.
Team News & Tactics
Panama
The big news for Panama has been regarding their captain, Anibal Godoy, who has been ruled out of the competition with a thigh injury. He was not part of the opening-day setup against Uruguay, with Adalberto Carrasquilla replacing the veteran in the lineup.
In fact, Carrasquillo was one of the three newcomers in this Panama setup. Manager Christiansen surprisingly started them against Uruguay. He will continue with them, with Puma Rodriguez and Edgardo Farina as the other two.
Christiansen will maintain his five-at-the-back setup and line up with four midfielders and a lone striker in Jose Fajardo. From midfield, the manager will deploy newcomers Rodriguez and Yoel Barcenas from the wide areas, which is designed to create chances for this site and the central striker.
Probable Lineup (5-4-1): Mosquera; Murillo, Farina, Cordoba, Miller, Davis; Rodriguez, Martinez, Carrasquilla, Barcenas; Fajardo
USA
Gregg Berhalter might name a similar lineup to the one that beat Bolivia in the opening game, barring a change in his midfield setup. Tyler Adams started for the USA for the first time since March, and there are still some question marks about his overall fitness.
AC Milan star Yunus Musah might come in for the Bournemouth man, although Berhalter is not expected to make any more changes to his lineup. So, veteran Tim Ream will continue to marshal the backline for the host nation alongside two other Premier League stars, Antonee Robinson and Chris Richards, while right-back and Borussia Monchengladbach star Joe Scally will once again be the youngest of all USA players.
Musah’s arrival in that midfield will likely give the USA more security in that part of the pitch, while the AC Milan star is also a capable ball progresser. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun will look to continue their impressive run for the national side, with the latter aiming to add to the four goals he has already scored for the team since switching to represent them on the international circuit.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Turner; Scally, Ream, Richards, Robinson; McKennie, Musah, Reyna; Weah, Balogun, Pulisic
Key Stats
- Panama have won two of their last three meetings with the USA.
- Panama could be eliminated from the Copa for the second time in as many appearances in the competition.
- Since 1987, every host nation has progressed from the group stages and into the knockout rounds.
- USA have only lost to Panama once on home soil in normal time.
- USA have three straight victories in Copa America group stages and three consecutive clean sheets.
Player to Watch
Christian Pulisic
The AC Milan star has had a good season in Italy and showed why he remains one of the highly rated stars in Europe. His star status with the national team did not suffer any damage, as he put the hosts in front against Bolivia inside three minutes, thus keeping continuity with his star status.
However, the AC Milan star needs to do much more to make this tournament worthwhile for the fans and his teammates. He will have the spotlight on his head from minute one against Panama, as everyone, including Pulisic, will be expecting another big performance.
Prediction
Panama 0-2 USA
Panama showed resilience in their approach against Uruguay, before faltering right when it mattered exposed their weakness. Gregg Berhalter and his coaching staff will have noted this, as the USA will look to gain an early advantage in this second group stage game.
The USA came into this clash with the idea of delivering for their fans and keeping with the tradition of host teams qualifying for the knockout rounds. Hence, there is only one favourite to take three points here, and it is the USA.