Mexico vs. Panama: Last-Minute Preview for Gold Cup Semifinal Clash

Wednesday night marks the beginning of the end for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, as semifinals action gets under way at Cowboys Stadium in Texas.

In the first matchup, the United States are attempting to continue their rampage through this field against Honduras. The host country has been dominant in winning its four matches spread over the past four weeks, boasting a 16-3 goal differential. Meanwhile, Honduras has made their way to the penultimate round on the back of their defense, pitching three clean sheets and allowing two goals overall.

Despite the Hondurans' excellent defensive effort, the United States are viewed as a favorite to advance to their third straight Gold Cup final.

The night's second match, however, is far more up in the air. Defending Gold Cup champion Mexico will take on their rival from Group A Panama in a nightcap that could be one of this tournament's finest contests.

Mexico had walked into the 2013 Gold Cup without ever losing to Panama in international play—friendly or otherwise. The Panamanians ended that streak in their first match in group play this year, besting El Tri 2-1 thanks to the clutch scoring effort of Gabriel Torres, who netted each of Panama's goals. That marked the second time these two clubs had met recently—the other being a 0-0 draw in Panama.

With the second leg of that matchup coming up at Estadio Azteca on Oct. 11, these two sides are going to get to know each other in the coming months. While every team has some missing pieces during this Gold Cup event—because of World Cup qualifying, some countries chose to keep some of their best at home to keep their form—neither side is going to give an inch.

Mexico have won two straight Gold Cup titles and have the most all time with six. Panama have been to just one Gold Cup final, a 2005 loss to the United States. With El Tri expected before the tournament to push for the country's second three-peat, this match should provide for a thrilling capper to Wednesday night's action.

Here is a complete preview of that contest.

Match Information

When: Wednesday, July 24, 10 p.m. ET

Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Watch: FOX Soccer

Streaming: FOX Soccer 2Go

Probable Starting Lineups

Preview and Prediction

It's hard to find much fault in the way Panama have played thus far in the Gold Cup. Taking down Mexico was a win in and of itself, as it represented a historical anomaly. The teams had played 13 times prior without the Panamanians so much as sniffing a victory, and El Tri are the most decorated Gold Cup team in history.

So, back to status quo, right? Maybe. But it won't be a walk in the park for José Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre's squad.

Panama, buoyed by their win over Mexico, have continued showing strength in their matches. Their remaining Group A clashes against Martinique and Canada proved this starting 11 could win without being in its finest form, as Panama pushed their way to a title despite a lackluster effort in both matches. 

Panama quickly recaptured their elite performance level versus Cuba. After allowing a quick goal in the 21st minute to Cuban striker Jose Alfonso Pita, Panama struck back with a fierce barrage of shots to the back of the net. Torres score two goals to end the first half—bringing his total to five, tying United States breakout star Chris Wondolowski for the most in the event—and his teammates tacked on four more in the second half of a 6-1 romp.

Meanwhile, Mexico's yearlong struggles continued in what should have been an easy win over Trinidad and Tobago. El Tri dominated possession throughout the match and sent 25 shots (11 on target) at Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams, but they were halted every step of the way. The underdog did a fantastic job of aggressively going for tackles, somehow getting called for fewer fouls despite tripling up Mexico on stops (21 to seven).

Raul Jimenez eventually put one past Williams in the 84th minute, helping his country avoid an embarrassing defeat. But needing 84 minutes to push ahead against a vastly outmanned Trinidad and Tobago side is indicative of Mexico's rampant struggles throughout 2013.

El Tri had only two wins in 10 matches this year heading into the Gold Cup, with the club finding an affinity for draws. While the team doesn't plan on taking these same 11 guys to Brazil next year, Mexico need to return to form on Wednesday night to have a chance. 

The Mexicans were destroyed by Panamanian winger Alberto Quintero in their first matchup. Quintero carved the left side of the defense, setting up both of Torres' goals. Mexico cannot let the same thing happen this time around.

José Manuel de la Torre saw that and made perhaps the most major adjustment of this tournament, moving Miguel Layun into the right-back hole. He's performed well in that role, and Mexico's defensive pressure has improved as a result. The Quintero-Torres pairing will still be a force for Mexico to deal with, but it won't nearly as daunting a foe if Layun helps force the action back toward the midfield area.

More than anything, though, this match will come down to Mexico's finishing ability. Panama aren't going to show intimidation on this stage, and it's a near-guarantee that they'll get on the board at least once. The Mexicans will obviously look to keep this contest as low scoring as possible, but missing out on 24 scoring opportunities isn't going to cut it. 

Luckily, Mexico should be able to find success early if they're in good form. Panama has trouble being at the top of their game early in contests, so if Mexico can get one goal early and hold to form, perhaps they can force a penalty-kick finish.

Panama have been better in this tournament, but Mexico's rich Gold Cup past and history of beating up on Panama make it too hard to make that selection.

Final Score Prediction: Mexico 1, Panama 1 (Mexico wins in penalty kicks)

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