The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) is preparing to take on Panama in the Copa America 2024 tonight, and it’s going to be a good one.
This upcoming match at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is expected to be a showcase of American soccer dominance. With a roster loaded with young talent and a strong historical advantage, the USMNT is set to dominate Panama.
Even the bookmakers are predicting a blowout as they have the US as favorites with -245 to +700 for Panama. That’s a steep difference. But if you look beyond just the odds, you’ll see that it’s painfully obvious who’s going to win this match and who will walk away 2-0 in the tournament.
The USMNT's lineup for the Copa America is a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents. It definitely creates a balanced and challenging squad. Key players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams bring a wealth of experience from top European clubs they usually play in. Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan, is not only a skilled attacker but also a leader on the field. With 30 international goals to his name, he’s a leader that the USMNT needs. His ability to break defenses with his speed and creativity makes him a constant threat up and down the field.
McKennie, a Juventus midfielder, adds grit and determination to the team. Known for his versatility and work rate, McKennie can dominate the midfield. He disrupts the opposition's play and initiates attacks like a boss. Adams, currently with Bournemouth, is another midfielder who excels in ball recovery and distribution. His presence ensures that the USMNT maintains control in the middle of the park.
There are a lot more names on the roster that are looking to contribute to the success of USMNT. However, one thing is for sure, they’re all hungry to dominate Panama in tonight’s game.
Panama, on the other hand, faces several challenges. Their recent play has been inconsistent, as evidenced by their 3-1 loss to Uruguay in their Copa America opener. It’s worth noting that Uragua is a solid team in the top 3 of most analysts' lists. Despite a late goal from Michael Murillo, Panama struggled to compete against the South American giants. This defeat highlights the defensive vulnerabilities and lack of depth in Panama's squad. They’re going to need to step up big time if they’re going to be anything other than a speed bump in the US’s march to the cup.
Under the guidance of Danish coach Thomas Christiansen, Panama has made strides but still falls short against higher-ranked teams. Christiansen's tactical skills are commendable, for sure, yet his team lacks the star power and depth to match the USMNT's quality. Panama's key players, such as Anibal Godoy and Gabriel Torres, are experienced but not on the same level as their American counterparts. There’s not much they can do about that heading into tonights game, so, they’re hoping the USMNT players just have an “off” day.
The historical record between the USMNT and Panama undoubtedly favors the Americans. The US holds a 17-2-7 record against Panama. This showcases their dominance in this matchup. In tournament settings, the USMNT has met Panama 12 times in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, winning 6, drawing 5, and losing only 1 game. Not a bad record for the US. This historical dominance is a psychological advantage that cannot be overlooked. Of course, the teams are different in each matchup, but it still plays a role.
In their most recent encounter during the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal, Panama managed to edge out the USMNT in a penalty shootout. However, it's important to note that the US team fielded a less experienced squad in that tournament. This time around, the USMNT is bringing their A-team, ready to answer for their past shortcomings and assert their dominance.
Tactically, the USMNT has an edge. Coach Gregg Berhalter has instilled a philosophy of high pressing, quick transitions, and solid defensive organization. This approach has yielded positive results, as seen in their 2-0 victory over Bolivia in their Copa America opener last week. The US team’s ability to control possession and create scoring opportunities from various positions makes them a versatile and unpredictable opponent. That’s how the US is already going to be in Panama's head before the game.
To take that a step further, the depth of the USMNT's roster is a significant advantage. With players like Brenden Aaronson, Ricardo Pepi, and Gio Reyna coming off the bench, the US can maintain a high intensity throughout the match. This depth allows Berhalter to rotate players without being too vulnerable, all while keeping the squad fresh and dynamic.
Playing on home soil adds more of an advantage for the USMNT. The familiarity with the environment, combined with the support of a passionate home crowd, provides a morale boost. This factor is often underrated. Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium is expected to be filled with American supporters, creating an intimidating atmosphere for the Panamanian team.
In all sports, not just soccer, home advantage often translates to better performance. This is because players are buoyed by the crowd’s energy. The USMNT’s strong record at home further underscores this point. The combination of skill, tactical superiority, and home support sets the stage for a commanding performance and a game you have to watch.
As we noted, the USMNT’s roster is deep. There’s plenty of skill to go around, but the energy is off the charts. However, there are a few players we think will stand out in this match against Panama.
Christian Pulisic is undoubtedly the star and the face of the USMNT. His dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability make him a constant threat.
Pulisic’s experience in top European leagues has honed his skills. He almost always rises to the occasion in crucial matches, and this match will be no different. His performance against Bolivia, where he scored and assisted, is a testament to his impact.
Weston McKennie’s presence in the midfield is another major factor for the USMNT. His ability to break up play, win aerial duels, and contribute offensively makes him a versatile asset that Panama is going to have to keep their thumb on. McKennie’s energy and tenacity ensure that the USMNT can dominate the midfield battles, which will surely be a key factor in controlling the game.
Tyler Adams, known for his defensive skills and leadership, will be essential in neutralizing Panama’s attacks. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions helps the USMNT maintain defensive solidity. You can be sure that he’s been studying Panama’s key players. Adams’ distribution skills also aid in transitioning from defense to attack seamlessly. He delivers the perfect combination with McKennie and Pulisic out front.
While the USMNT is heavily favored, Panama has players who can still pose a threat if they’re not neutralized. Anibal Godoy, with his experience and midfield control, is one to watch. His ability to dictate plays and disrupt the opposition can influence the game’s tempo. Gabriel Torres, Panama’s second-most seasoned forward, can capitalize on any defensive lapses, making him a potential danger in the attacking third.
You can expect that the US is already studying these threats and finding weak points that they can capitalize on.
The USMNT’s combination of talent, tactical brilliance, and historical dominance positions them as clear favorites against Panama. We can’t see this game going any other way.
While Panama will undoubtedly put up a fight, the US team's depth, star power, and home advantage are likely to prove overwhelming for the team coming from the Hub of the Americas. Fans can expect an exciting match, but the USMNT is well-equipped to secure a decisive victory and continue their strong start in the Copa America 2024. This game won’t go any other way.
We’re predicting 3-0 in favor of the USMNT.