After the opening 2-0 victory against Canada, the Americans are right on the way to the quarterfinal, and to secure passage with a victory tonight against Panama (live, 7: 30 p.m., FOX Soccer Channel), an opponent that might present some problems which could not be Canada.
For starters, the Canaleros are equally familiar with the United States, like any other team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup when they meet, having been eliminated by the Americans in any one of the last three tournaments.
Americans have dominated the series, boasting a 6-0-2 all-time record against the Americans victories over Central, but was so difficult as any recorded from the United States. Penalty kicks were needed to beat Panama in 2005 Gold Cup and the us have needed second half goals to win their quarterfinal rounds of the 2007 and 2009.
"Physically, you're a talented team," said U.S. coach Bob Bradley. "They have some good players. We have great respect for them. You have learned from both the 2007 and 2009 games which is a group that always have to play well against. "
Bradley has coached the United States in the past two victories against Panama and knows his team is in another tough test against an opponent that features largely the same core of players who gave us the problem in the recent Gold Cup.
"The System is much the same, some of the same players," said Bradley. "It is a group that gives physical challenges. Are some people who are athletic, also some children who themselves can cause problems, so that they are a good team. "
For tonight will be matching Panama tougher challenge from Canada match-up for two main reasons. First of all, Panama is a much more mobile group. Are you a group based on attack "not" the level of the top players in Canada, however, that you are faster and have a more dangerous attack you. Secondly, the United States will be playing the heat and humidity of summer Florida at Raymond James instead comfort comfortable cool Ford field, Detroit, making it tougher to tow high-pressure approach of the United States.
Make no mistake, the United States remains the heavy favorite in this matc and boasts advantages all over the field, with forward area is arguably the closest in comparison, but Panama is an experienced team and with the kind of speed that could cause problems for US back-line which is not exactly fleet foot.
If something will be banking in Panama, is able to control the American tandem Clarence Goodson and centerback Tim Ream. Duo that performed relatively well in Canada, but Canada played what was more than a 4-4-1-1. Panama will publish two natural promotions, including Blas Perez, who has scored goals in each of the last two meetings against the United States.
If I play well Goodson and booklet, Panama will have some other responses, particularly bearing in mind the edge the Americans have in midfield. The United States will be counting on the midfield dominating play, as it did against Canada, with Michael Bradley and Chris Jones is key to include Panama, playmakers, in particular the delicate Armando Cooper.
The game should be an opportunity for young striker assembly Juan Agudelo to start something for the United States. Jozy Altidore has led the way against Canada, but Agudelo could be the key against the Panamanian defence will have trouble dealing with the rhythm.
Storming Panama will not only help clinch a place in the American semifinals and a trip to RFK Stadium on 19 June. This would give Bob Bradley an opportunity to rest some starters in the finale of the third group stage against Guadeloupe in the sports park in the city of Kansas Livestrong.
"It is important to take care of business and the use of a third game, and perhaps use different players, but more important to take control of the Group and to finish first."
Ives Galarcep is a senior writer for FoxSoccer.com covering Major League soccer and the U.S. national team.
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