USA need CONCACAF WCQ win to punch ticket to Qatar
USA vs Panama - 28/03/2022
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The USA host Panama in the penultimate round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. The Yanks are fresh off of a nil-nil draw with archrivals Mexico and are on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup.
Panama are chasing the World Cup qualification places. They are currently fifth in the standings and one point off of the inter-continental playoff place. Just four points separate the USA and Panama with six points left to play for.
The Yanks did not qualify for the World Cup 2018. Although they are on the cusp of qualifying this time, there is a possibility the USA could fall short once more.
If the USA lose their final two matches and those teams below them win out, then the Americans could miss a second straight World Cup. On paper, it doesn’t look likely that America will miss a second straight World Cup.
Panama are coming off of a 1-1 draw with Honduras in World Cup qualifying. They are unbeaten in four of their last six World Cup qualifying matches. The USA are unbeaten in their last two games in World Cup qualifying ahead of this weekend’s match.
In October 2021, Panama shocked the USA with a 1-0 win in Panama City. Anibal Godoy scored the game’s only goal as Panama won the fixture. The USA must avoid another shock result at the hands of Panama if they want to qualify for the World Cup later this year.
The USA’s loss to Panama was just the third time they had fallen to defeat at the hands of the Panamanians. The Americans have a superior head-to-head record against Panama with 17W-4D-3L. Panama’s win in October ended a six-game winless streak versus the Yanks.
Against Mexico on Thursday, the USA were second best for much of the game. They were outshot 11-9 with just four shots on target. The defence conceded just two shots on target, however. The USA only tallied 36% possession.
Coach Gregg Berhalter is unlikely to make too many changes. Giovanni Reyna could start in place of Timothy Weah on the right wing.
Panama scored in the 23rd minute thanks to Rolando Blackburn against Honduras. The defence could not keep the lead, however. Panama conceded on 65 minutes to slump to a draw. Panama managed just one shot on target.
The Panamanians shocked the USA in October, but that game was played in Panama City. It will be far more difficult for them against the Yanks with the game being played in Orlando, Florida. A win would see the USA punch their ticket to the World Cup 2022.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
WCQ
412138
1
1 - 0
2.35
24°
1.45
1.45
4.50
7.00
no
no
no
5 - 1(4 - 0)
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