The Stats Zone
June 26 2024, 00:44 · Alex Lawes

Panama vs USA Preview & Prediction | 2024 Copa America | Group Stage

Panama vs USA Preview & Prediction | 2024 Copa America | Group Stage

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It is an all-North American affair in this Copa America clash with hosts USA having a glorious opportunity to push themselves through to the quarter-finals with a victory in this one.

KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Thursday 27th June, 2024 - UK – 11:00pm / US ET – 6:00pm / US PT – 3:00pm

HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – Fox Sports & TUDN

HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Premier Sports / US – UniMas, Univision, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue & ViX

PANAMA PREVIEW: DISPATCHED IN THE OPENER

Panama had the unenviable task of facing one of the major contenders for the trophy in their opening encounter when they faced Marcelo Bielsa’s refreshed and revitalised Uruguay at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami the other day.

The Central Americans went behind after 16 minutes and then two late Uruguayan goals from Darwin Nunez and Matias Vina secured a heavy defeat for Panama before Michael Murillo’s consolation goal deep into second-half stoppage-time.

USA PREVIEW: LOOKING TO GO DEEP

Gregg Berhalter has the advantage of the USA being a Pot One team due to the fact they are hosts and being drawn alongside Bolivia and Panama is also a massive advantage – as they showed in their comfortable opening game victory.

The States took a third minute lead through their captain Christian Pulisic and secured a 2-0 victory when Folarin Balogun scored just before half-time. A victory against their CONCACAF opponents in this one will send them through.

PANAMA TEAM NEWS: SITTING DEEP

The Panamanians will intend to do as they always do and that is to aggressively try and frustrate the Americans with a low block. They will, though, be without captain Anibal Godoy, who picked up a tournament-ending injury right before their opening game.

PREDICTED XI (5-4-1): Mosquera; Michael Murillo, Edgardo Farina, Jose Cordoba, Roderick Miller, Eric Davis; Puma, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Jovani Welch, Yoel Carcenas; Jose Fajardo

UNAVAILABLE: Anibal Godoy (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE:

USA TEAM NEWS: UNCHANGED AMERICANS

The biggest talking point and selection dilemma for Gregg Berhalter was up-front and the decision between Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun. Balogun got the nod and is expected to keep his place after scoring their clinching goal against Bolivia.

PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Turner; Scally, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Musah, McKennie; Weah, Pulisic, Reyna; Balogun

UNAVAILABLE:

QUESTIONABLE:

PANAMA VS USA PREDICTION

This one shouldn’t be too close to call. There is a gulf in CONCACAF qualification or CONCACAF Nations Leagues between these two teams, despite Panama beating the USMNT to qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup seven years ago. Panama may well be resolute so it may not be a thumping but, with qualification for the quarters on the line as well as their home advantage, USA should get the three points they need.

PANAMA VS USA TIP: USA TO WIN & UNDER 3.5 GOALS