Costa Rica vs. Panama: Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule for 2017 Gold Cup

Costa Rica's status as genuine contenders for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup will be put to the test on Wednesday, as they face Panama in the first of the competition's quarter-finals.

Los Ticos enjoyed a straightforward passage into the knockout stages of the tournament, winning two and drawing one to top Group A. However, there has been little reward for that achievement, as Panama are a potentially tricky opponent.

They also picked up seven points in the group stage, including a creditable 1-1 draw with the United States, but were eventually bumped out of top spot due to goals scored. They're a team with the attributes needed to win on any given day in this competition.

Read on for the key viewing details for this match from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and a preview of what should be one of the tightest of the four quarter-final matches.

Date: Wednesday, July 19

Time: 6 p.m. (ET), 11 p.m. (BST)

TV Info: Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go (U.S.)

Match Preview

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Ahead of the Gold Cup, Costa Rica frequently assume the role of tournament dark horses behind outright favourites Mexico and the United States. This year, though, Los Ticos feel a little closer to being thoroughbred challengers.

While they may be without talismanic goalkeeper Keylor Navas and were dealt a major blow in the form of Joel Campbell's long-term layoff, a core of their first-team squad is at this tournament. After topping their group, this feels like a big opportunity for Oscar Ramirez's team to push on.

Although they would have been slightly disappointed to drop points against Canada in their second group game, there is no complacency on the part of Costa Rica, as noted by Roger Gonzalez of CBSSports.com:

That's vital, as any lack of focus against Panama would be costly for the Group A winners. Nevertheless, Los Canaleros manager Hernan Gomez and his players will feel capable of springing an upset.

We've seen different sides to the Central American outfit at this tournament. Against the United States, Panama were defensively robust and spirited in a 1-1 draw; against Nicaragua, they recovered from a one-goal deficit to win 2-1; and against Martinique, they were comprehensive in a 3-0 win.

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Striker Gabriel Torres has been the main threat for Panama at the tournament so far, netting two goals. The Costa Rica defence must be alert to shut him down, while their attacking players will need to be inventive and incisive to apply sustained pressure to the back four.

After all, as noted by Fox Soccer, Panama were pretty close to usurping the United States at the top of Group B:

Given their involvement in CONCACAF qualifying, these two teams know one another well and that may make for a cagey contest.

Costa Rica have had some trouble with Panama as of late. The last meeting came in June, when Los Ticos were held to a 0-0 draw on home soil in San Jose, and Panama beat Costa Rica 1-0 in January at the Copa Centroamericana too.

This time, however, Los Ticos should have too much for their diligent opponents. The challenge for Costa Rica will be remaining patient in getting the likes of Bryan Ruiz, David Ramirez and Ariel Rodriguez on the ball in dangerous areas. Do that, and the extra dash of quality in their XI should see them through.

Prediction: Costa Rica 1-0 Panama