The historic Rose Bowl will host the Mexico vs Panama match this Sunday, July 7, 2013 (5:00 PM PST) in the first day of games of the Gold Cup 2013. ‘El Tri’ will have their first match at the stadium that saw them become Gold Cup champions in 2011 when they defeated the United States 4-2. This time, Mexico will play with an alternate squad, as the ‘A’ team participated in the last Confederations Cup in Brazil.
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Update: Panama defeated Mexico 2-1. Mexico continues its terrible play under Chepo de la Torre’s tenure. Historic victory for Panama.
Click here to view the Mexico vs Panama 1-2 Highlights
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The team coached by Jose Manuel De La Torre has had a year filled with poor performances and disappointments. In the first semester, Mexico has only won 1 out of 6 games in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, and disappointed in the Confederations tournament where the team lacked offensive mentality. On Sunday, the tricolor will hope to turn things around, and begin their newest Gold Cup expedition with a win against Panama.
Related: Why this Gold Cup will matter for Mexico
Like Mexico, Panama will play in this competition with many absences. This is a team that has performed well in the qualifiers, but who may not have enough to reach the World Cup. As part of Group A, Panama has a good chance of qualifying into the next round in front of group rivals Canada and Martinique. The Gold Cup is made of three groups where the first and second placed teams, plus the two best third place teams qualify into the quarterfinals.
Mexico vs Panama Prediction
The Mexico vs Panama match will be a close contest between the group’s two favorites. Panama will play defensively and hope that a set piece or a counter-attack will lead them to a goal. On the other hand, Mexico has played horribly in their two friendlies prior to the cup by losing against Cruz Azul Hidalgo and Queretaro. They will focus to improve on their defensive tactics, and players like Rafael Marquez Lugo and Marco Fabian will be crucial to goal opportunities.
Mexico is the favorite to win this game, and the favorite to win the competition along with the United States. A win against Panama will allow them to start the cup with a clear mentality which will allow the tricolor to finally play up to their expectations. The Mexico vs Panama game will end in a Mexican victory of 2-0.
Mexico vs Panama Television
The Mexico vs Panama Gold Cup match will be televised this Sunday, July 7, 2013 on Fox Soccer Channel and Univision at 5:00 PM Pacific.
