Panama - USA predictions and free betting tips [27/06/2024]

Today in the second round of Copa America, Panama will face the USA. In their opening match, the tournament hosts had no trouble against Bolivia (2-0), while "Los Canaleros" succumbed to Uruguay 3-1. Another failure could eliminate them from the play-offs.

Predicted Line-ups

Panama: Mosquera; Murillo, Farina, Cordoba, Miller, Davis; Rodriguez, Welch, Carrasquilla, Barcenas; Fajardo.

USA: Turner; Scally, Ream, Richards, A. Robinson; Reyna, Musah, McKennie; Weah, Balogun, Pulisic.

Stadium

The match will take place in Atlanta at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Panama

Having participated in just one World Cup (2018, group stage exit) and one Copa America (2016, group stage exit), Panama is not a powerhouse even in the CONCACAF region. In their first round, the tricolours were defeated by Uruguay (3-1), with Araujo putting Bielsa’s side ahead in the first half, followed by goals from Núñez and Viña and a response from Murillo. A failure on Friday night combined with a Uruguay victory over Bolivia will officially eliminate Panama from the play-offs. Earlier this month, the tricolours performed in the qualifiers for the next World Cup and secured two victories – over Guyana (2-0) and Montserrat (3-1).

However, in the final friendly match before the start of the continental tournament, the nominal hosts failed to overcome Paraguay (0-1). Additionally, in recent matches against countries with slightly more football prowess, such as Jamaica (a 0-1 defeat), Mexico (a 0-3 defeat), Paraguay, and finally Uruguay (one goal in four matches), Christiansen’s team also failed to score.

USA

Reaching the Round of 16 in the last World Cup, the USA is beginning to make its mark on the international stage, thanks to high-profile players like Musah, Weah, Balogun, and Pulisic. Milan winger Pulisic started this Copa America brilliantly, even scoring a goal in the first round and playing a direct role in the victory over Bolivia (2-0). It is essential to note that the hosts were not invited to the last two Copa America tournaments in Brazil, but they finished fourth in 2016. Now the team's objective is at least to reach the semi-finals again, and ideally, to lift the prestigious trophy.

The USA head coach Gregg Berhalter secured his 44th victory last week, surpassing Bob Bradley to become the third most successful coach in the team's history, behind only Jürgen Klinsmann (55) and Bruce Arena (81). Since the current tournament format was introduced in 1987, the host country has always advanced from the group stage at Copa America, and an American triumph combined with a victory or draw for Uruguay will ensure this streak continues. However, the Stars and Stripes suffered two setbacks in friendly matches this June: first against Colombia (1-5) and then against Brazil (1-1).

Head-to-Head

Last summer, Panama knocked the USA out of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the semi-finals after a penalty shootout (1-1 after extra time). Panamanians often defeat Americans: in 2021, during the World Cup qualifiers for Qatar, they also won at home (1-0).   

Panama vs USA Betting Tips

Having won their first match, the USA will attempt to secure their place in the play-offs as soon as possible so that they can play with less pressure in the final group stage match after Uruguay. Panama has a far less renowned squad and, with all due respect, is considerably inferior in class to their opponent. Home crowd support will boost the Stars and Stripes' confidence, so I back Berhalter's men to claim victory.