Panama will be keen to book their place in the Copa America quarter-final when they take on Bolivia on Monday night.
Panama will be buoyed by their win over the USA on game week two and will hope that the stars align in their favour when they take on Bolivia in the final game of Group C in the Copa America 2024.
Panama are in need of a favourable result and some external help to advance to the knockout stage for the first time, as they face Bolivia on Monday at Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando. To advance, Panama may still need assistance from Uruguay against USA, as Los Canaleros have a -1 goal differential compared to the USA’s +1. Thus, Panama will need a better result than the US on Monday.
Bolivia’s hopes of advancing are hanging by a thread after a 5-0 defeat to Uruguay this week left them at the bottom of the Group C standings with no points. Meanwhile, Los Canaleros secured a crucial 2-1 victory over the United States and are just behind them for second place based on goal difference.
Bolivia’s chances of making it to the knockout stage are slim, requiring not just a victory but also a defeat for the US at the hands of Uruguay, combined with a significant seven-goal swing in their favour. This scenario seems unlikely, especially given Bolivia’s current 13-match losing streak in Copa America group stage games, a streak that dates back to 2015.
Throughout this challenging period, La Verde have struggled to score, failing to find the back of the net in six group matches during their current slump. Should they fail to score in this match, it would be the first time since the 2001 Copa America that Bolivia finished the group stage without a single goal.
Bolivia have not defeated a CONCACAF team since a 5-0 friendly win against Trinidad and Tobago in 2022, and they have lost three consecutive matches against teams from that region.
In a tense and physical match on Thursday, Panama managed to overcome an early setback to secure their first Copa America victory this year. Statistically, they were well-deserving of the win, dominating 74% of the possession—the highest for any CONCACAF side in this tournament since Opta began tracking such data in 2011.
This victory ended a two-match losing streak for Thomas Christiansen’s squad across all competitions, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout phase alive. It also marked the first time Panama came from behind to win since a 3-2 victory over Nicaragua in June 2023. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this clash.
Team News & Tactics
Bolivia
Antônio Carlos Zago made several changes to the side that played against Uruguay only to be hammered on game week two. While Bolivia are mathematically still in with a shot to make it to the quarter-finals, the massive goal differential makes it improbable.
But one can still expect them to have a go against Panama who will need to outdo USA’s result against Uruguay on the same night. With a fully fit squad at his disposal, Zago is expected to name a strong XI on the night.
The 3-4-3 formation is expected to be the solution on the night with Guillermo Viscarra likely to make way in goal for Gustavo Almada. He should be protected by the back three of Héctor Cuellar, Luis Haquin, and José Sagredo.
Leonel Justiniano and Gabriel Villamíl should reprise their role in the double pivot, freeing up Marcelo Suárez and Jesus Sagredo to push up down the flanks. Miguel Terceros and Ramiro Vaca should provide support for Rodrigo Ramallo upfront.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Almada; Cuellar, Haquin, Jo. Sagredo; Suarez, Justiniano, Villamil, Je. Sagredo; Terceros, Ramallo, Vaca
Panama
Panama will be missing their top chance creator, Adalberto Carrasquilla, who received a red card for a reckless challenge on American star Christian Pulisic earlier this week. While this is a major blow, they will be buoyed by the win and the opportunity to make it to the last eight of the tournament.
Jovani Welch, Freddy Gondola, Edgardo Fariña and Eduardo Guerrero are all one booking away from a suspension but given what is at stake, it is unlikely to hold them back on the night.
Panama are expected to line up with Orlando Mosquera in goal, behind the back five of Michael Amir Murillo, José Córdoba, Roderick Miller, Iván Anderson and Eric Davis. Murillo and Davis will get forward, helping tilt the formation to a more attacking 3-4-3 when needed.
Cristian Martínez and Cesar Yanis should form the central midfield, with Cesar Blackman and Édgar Bárcenas supporting José Fajardo in attack.
Probable Lineup (5-4-1): Mosquera; Davis, I. Anderson, Miller, Cordoba, Murillo; Barcenas, Ayarza, Martinez, Blackman; Farjado
Key Stats
- Panama’s Matchday two triumph was the first time they came back to win despite conceding the opening goal since June 2023.
- Both teams have faced off eight times, with Panama winning five times and Bolivia coming out on top thrice.
- None of the eight matches between the two nations has ended in a draw.
- Panama have kept just one clean sheet against Bolivia in their eight clashes so far.
- A win on the night will see Panama extend their winning streak over Bolivia to five matches.
Player to Watch
Cesar Blackman
The Panama star scored both goals against USA and will hope to carry that momentum into the clash. With Murtillo pushing behind him, Panama’s right flank is likely to be the nation’s attacking outlet on the night. Bolivia are the whipping boys of the group and should Panama enjoy much joy going forward, it is likely to come from their right flank.
Prediction
Bolivia 1-2 Panama
Panama have a slight edge due to their recent performance and victory over the United States, showing resilience and tactical discipline. On the other hand, Bolivia has struggled throughout the tournament, failing to score in their matches and suffering heavy defeats.
Given Panama’s stronger showing and motivation to secure a spot in the knockout stages, they are likely the favourites to win this match. Having won their last four games against Bolivia, Panama can approach the match with little fear.
