Panama take on USA in the round 2 match of Copa America group stage. The match will be played on Friday, June 28th at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA).
Playing in the Copa America is not the same as playing against Guyana, Montserrat, or the Catalonian national team, with whom Panama either managed to handle or at least drew with in May and April. In the last friendly match before the start of the major tournament, Panama lost to Paraguay (0-1), one of the weakest representatives of South America at the moment, who only win on rare occasions. And in the Copa America, the national team started with a predictable defeat to Uruguay (1-3).
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In the second round of the group stage, Panama’s chances of even drawing are slim because they will have to play against the tournament hosts, the Americans. The U.S. team is among the top 5 favorites of the Copa America, alongside Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and the aforementioned Uruguay. Recently, the "Stars and Stripes" have only played against strong opponents. They have essentially only failed in a friendly match against Colombia (1-5). They beat Mexico (2-0) and drew with Brazil (1-1). In the first round of the Copa America, the team predictably dealt with Bolivia (2-0). I think in their second match of the tournament, the U.S. will easily handle Panama and, with six points, secure a place in the playoffs even before their match with Uruguay.
The Americans should not face any problems against Panama. Currently, the difference in class between these teams is significant. Plus, the U.S. is playing at home (the tournament is being held on their territory). Yes, sometimes Panama does cause problems for the Americans in head-to-head meetings. But that doesn’t happen often. In the last seven head-to-head matches, the "Stars and Stripes" have won five times. I think that in this upcoming duel, the U.S. national team will comfortably take three points, and the score is likely to be convincing. My prediction is a handicap (-1) for the nominal guests, meaning the tournament hosts.
Prediction for the match: USA to win with -1.0 handicap.
