Mexico vs. Panama: Second Upset of El Tri Proves Panama Cannot Be Taken Lightly

The narrative of Mexico’s recent struggles in international play has centered on a coach with little control and a talented team with little direction. Lost in the shuffle was the recent play of Panama in the 2013 Gold Cup.

Panama entered the tournament facing few expectations, largely considered a longshot to escape Group A to make a run at the trophy. As poorly as Mexico has played of late, there was still a belief that El Tri would dispatch Panama and secure their fourth consecutive Gold Cup finals appearance.

That narrative was turned on its head when Panama pulled off a shocking 2-1 upset in the opening action of Group A play—the team’s first-ever victory over Mexico.

As Panama walked away from that match with three points, many still believed Mexico would power through its ensuing matches to best Panama and make a push for another Gold Cup trophy. There simply wasn’t much faith in the Panamanians, who hadn’t reached the finals since they lost to the United States in a penalty shootout in 2005.

But the underdog struck again in the semifinals, again with a 2-1 upset of Mexico—again with all the momentum.

In retrospect, Panama may not have been an underdog in either contest. After all, anything can happen in one match. It takes prolonged results to start seeing a trend.

That trend was manifested in Panama’s second victory over Mexico Wednesday night.

It’s hard to justify pulling for a historically mediocre team against superior competition. Even after upending Mexico twice in Gold Cup play, Panama doesn’t carry lofty expectations as it enters the finals for a matchup against the United States.

The apprehension is understandable. The United States men’s national team appears unstoppable at this point in the tournament, and after reeling off 10 straight wins in international play, it isn’t exactly on the same level as a disheveled Mexico squad.

In five Gold Cup matches, the USMNT hasn’t even come close to losing, save for a 1-0 defeat of Costa Rica in the final match of group play. In those five contests, the United States scored 19 goals and decimated four teams in the process.

Still, it’s hard to believe Panama will fall so easily in the Gold Cup finals. As well as the USMNT has played, Panama shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Los Canaleros, above all, have played impeccable defense throughout the tournament. They haven’t been all that impressive on the attack (save for a six-goal performance against an overmatched Cuban side), but they’ve controlled the tempo at midfield and limited quality scoring chances for their opponents at every stage.

Panama is the underdog no one expects to win but knows it has a chance. It’s the little engine that not only could but might.

The odds are still stacked in the United States' favor, but it cannot afford to overlook Panama in the finals. If the USMNT comes out unfocused and unprepared, the Panamanians will take full advantage with the same gritty, inspired play they have shown throughout the tournament.

Panama may not win its first Gold Cup trophy Sunday, but it’s sure going to make things interesting.