What: 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup Semi-Final
Who: Panama vs. United States
When: Wednesday 22nd June, 2011, at 19:00 EST (0:00 UK Time; 23rd June)
Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA
Drama a la Panama
For the second consecutive match, Panama found an injury-time equaliser in the quarter-finals against El Salvador that eventually helped the team push the match to extra time, and then to penalties, where they came out on top. It was just reward for Julio Dely Valdes’ men however, who played well during the clash and had previous chances to score.
Dely Valdes is slowly crafting together a formidable side who gave the region notice of their potential in a 2-1 win over the United States in Group C. The ultimate goal may remain to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, but having made it this far there appears to be a chance that this group of never-say-die players could yet lift the continental title. Whilst this would be a shock of epic proportions, based on the positive performances of Panama at the Gold Cup it may not be such a far-fetched proposition.
The coach was quick to point out that only the smallest of differences allowed Panama to advance to the semi-finals. “In terms of the game today, both teams gave a great effort, but I think that Panama gave just a little bit more and that’s why we were able to advance”, said the former Panama international. Though they have already defeated the United States in this tournament, the Central American country are under no illusions at the enormity of their task as Dely Valdes clearly stated, “I think this time it is going to be a very different match than in the group stage, it will be very complicated.”
Bouncing Back
Few sides would be criticised for winning three of their first four matches in a major tournament and progressing to the semi-finals. The United States however, as one of the two dominant teams in CONCACAF, are expected to win every game at the Gold Cup, which is why there was so much shock at their defeat to Panama in Group C.
The following match against Guadeloupe saw a team that performed only slightly better and eked out a 1-0 win over a side not even FIFA-affiliated. Bob Bradley’s status as national team coach suddenly seemed shaky, though credit goes to the manager for making some difficult decisions before the 2-0 quarter-final win over Jamaica.
With stars Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan given time off the day before the game to attend family weddings, Bradley left Donovan out of the starting line-up in a competitive fixture for the first time in four years, but was rewarded with a strong performance from his replacement Alejandro Bedoya. Against an improved Jamaica side, the US looked more assured in possession and had more dynamism in their game as they created several opportunities. Dempsey stated it was his side’s best performance of the tournament and took the time to salute his team-mates. “We just played good football. We were patient. We just moved the ball around. We were able to make chances for ourselves. I think eventually we just wore them down,” said the Fulham forward.
Going into the semi-finals the United States will be favoured despite their patchy form as it still looks like the tournament is shaping up to provide yet another US-Mexico final.
Recent form
Panama:
United States 1-2 Panama (11/06; Group C, Gold Cup)
Panama 1-1 Canada (14/06; Group C, Gold Cup)
Panama 1-1 El Salvador (4-3 pens, AET – 19/06; quarter-final, Gold Cup)
United States:
United States 1-2 Panama (11/06; Group C, Gold Cup)
United States 1-0 Guadeloupe (14/06; Group C, Gold Cup)
Jamaica 0-2 United States (19/06; quarter-final, Gold Cup)
Key absences
Panama: Blas Perez (suspension)
United States: Jozy Altidore (hamstring)
Players to watch
Panama – Felipe Baloy: The 29-year-old has been a rock in central defence for Panama in the last decade and the strong centre-back is one of the most experienced and well-travelled players in the Panamanian squad. Baloy has performed well at the Gold Cup as Panama have been solid at the back and should he be able to reproduce that performance a place in the final may well beckon for Panama.
United States – Clint Dempsey: After a solid season for Fulham, Dempsey came into the Gold Cup ready to make a statement as the main man in the US attack. Things began well with a goal against Canada in the opener; however an anonymous performance in the defeat to Panama was followed up by a woeful personal display against Guadeloupe where Dempsey was criticised for a perceived lack of interest as he missed several chances. To answer the critics the 28-year-old conjured up a man-of-the-match performance against Jamaica in the quarter-finals and a continuation of that form could spell trouble for Panama.
Match Prediction
Failure to win the 2011 Gold Cup could mean the end of Bob Bradley’s reign as US coach. And truth be told, the Americans may have won three of their four matches in this tournament, but for the most part the displays have been less than impressive. Panama meanwhile have overachieved as they are not only in the final four of the competition, but have a memorable win over the US to cherish. That victory should give the Central Americans the belief and confidence to do it again and with a good mixture of youth and experience along with increased quality they have a real chance. Still, the United States should come through, avenging their group stage defeat and returning to the Gold Cup final. Panama 1-2 United States.
For top betting tips and a wide range of markets and odds on Panama v USA don’t forget to visit Valuechecker.
