USA – Panama

USA and Panama will meet for the second time in the 2015 Gold Cup, this time in the 3rd place playoff to be played in Pennsylvania. Previously Panama held team USA to a 1-1 draw in the Group Stage, but the United States did not play their best team in that game, as they already had the first place booked.

The hosts of the tournament will surely be gutted to have missed the final on their own turf against Jamaica. USA was Ok during the whole tournament, not bad but not great either and that was pretty much the story against Jamaica in the semifinals. The Raggae Boyz jumped to an unlikely 2-0 lead in the second half and whitstood an assault by the Americans in the second half. The first 20-25 minutes of the second half were brilliant by the USA, missing chance after chance, but they eventually cooled off and Jamaica got the win. A streaky performance from the Americans, who jumped from poor football to superb football and so forth – in the end they were a bit unlucky, but it also has to be said that Jamaica is a really strong side.

Panama suffered an arguably bigger heartbreak than the USA, as they lost an absolute thriller to Mexico in extra time. Panama played with 10 men since the 23rd minute, but somehow they managed to open the scoring and were looking likely to reach the final. However, a 90+7 minute penalty by Guardado sent the match into extra time, where another penalty sealed the deal for Mexico. A truly gut wrenching defeat for Panama and a very exhausting game as well. It was by far the best match of the tournament for Panama, as they weren`t too impressive on their road to the semifinal.

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Team news: Expect similar lineups to take the field as the ones that played in the semifinals. Tejada is suspended for Panama after his red card against Mexico, so obviously he will not be available for the visitors’ lineup.

In normal circumstances Panama would probably be the more motivated team to grab a 3rd place, as USA already missed its big and only objective, winning the tournament. However, the Americans will be pushed by the crowd and the fact that they play at home will give them a boost in focus. Klinsmann urged his side to finish on a high and he was echoed by players like Brad Guzan, so motivation is present. Panama on the other hand will come into this match heartbroken and, more importantly, very low on fitness. Panama gave it their absolute all with 10 men for 120 minutes against Mexico and it`s pretty hard to see them fully recovering with just two days of break between matches.

If USA repeats the performance they put on against Jamaica, which was not bad, it should be enough for them to win. Home court advantage, fitness and quality should be the deciding factors in this one. My tip is an USA win. Prediction: USA – Panama 2-0.

United States – Panama Gold Cup live streaming available for players at Bet365.com.

Pick: USA
Odds: 1.61 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 4.88
Event date: 25 July