USA vs. Panama 2013: Last-Minute Live Stream Info and Predictions

The 2013 Gold Cup is nearing its crescendo with a final showdown set for Sunday afternoon between a confident United States squad and an upstart Panama team with nothing to lose.

The Americans are riding a 10-match winning streak into the final, led recently by 31-year-old Landon Donovan and his veteran leadership. Donovan was instrumental in the team’s 3-1 victory against Honduras in the semifinals, playing a part in all three scoring strikes (two goals, one assist).

Panama wasn’t expected to make it this far in the tournament, but after upsetting Mexico for the second time in as many meetings, the Panamanians are within 90 minutes of avenging their 2005 Gold Cup Final loss to the United States.

The USMNT, meanwhile, is searching for its fifth victory in the history of the Gold Cup after falling short in the finals to Mexico in the last two editions of the CONCACAF event. El Tri won’t be a problem this year, but the United States will have to contend with a team that bested them twice in the tournament.

Where: Soldier Field; Chicago, Ill.

When: Sunday, July 28, at 4 p.m. ET

Television: Fox

Live Stream: Fox Soccer 2Go

 

First-Half Jitters

The United States has cruised through the Gold Cup with several impressive performances, its only close call coming against Costa Rica in the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, the Americans might not be as confident on Sunday.

Coach Jurgen Klinsmann was sent off in the final minutes of the team’s 3-1 win over Honduras Wednesday following an outburst on the sidelines. As a result, Klinsmann will be suspended for the final, leaving his team without the man who was instrumental in its current 10-match winning streak.

Panama has turned heads in the tournament, but it has reached the biggest stage and the brightest lights of the event. As well as the Panamanians played in the last three stages, it’s hard to believe they won’t be feeling the pressure of such an important match.

This contest is destined to be an exciting affair, but it may take some time for both teams to settle in. Panama needs to find its attack early in the first half to keep the United States on its heels, but it will likely be wary of the USMNT’s tremendous ability to sense weakness and capitalize on the counterattack.

We’ll likely see a few goals in this contest, but don’t be surprised if neither team notches one in the first 45.

Halftime Prediction: USA 0, Panama 0

 

Look out for Landon

Many expected Donovan to look rusty and uninspired when he returned to the USMNT for the Gold Cup. Instead, he picked up right where he left off, recording five goals in the team’s last five matches.

At 31, Donovan still has enough left in the tank to represent the United States in the 2014 World Cup. His preparation has already begun.

With Klinsmann away from the sidelines, the United States needs veteran leaders like Donovan to show up on Sunday. If the team’s all-time leading goalscorer doesn’t make an impact against Panama, the United States may be staring down the barrel of a tight finish.

But Donovan hasn’t been afraid of the spotlight in the Gold Cup, and he hasn’t skipped a beat in finding his rhythm with the young roster. After playing a part in all three American goals last week, he should be expected to provide at least one in the final.

Prediction: Landon Donovan will have a goal and an assist against Panama.

 

Down to the Wire

Assuming neither team gets much going in the first half, the second 45 is going to be a period of aggression and pressure.

Panama is no stranger to that struggle after having staved off El Tri’s attack multiple times in the semifinals. But without a lead to stand on, Panama will have to find a way to remain stout in the defensive third while turning up its aggression in the final third as well.

Both teams are far too talented to let this one get out of hand, but the United States’ attack has been simply unstoppable to this point. Look for the Americans to notch the first goal of the match, followed by a Panama equalizer and a last-minute United States goal to clinch the victory.

Final Prediction: USA 2, Panama 1