Gold Cup Semi-Final Preview: US vs. Panama

The US have a rare chance at revenge on Wednesday, as they take on Panama for the second time in the Gold Cup. After succumbing to their vicious counter-attack play in the group stage, the Yanks can quiet all of the naysayers with a semi-final victory and a spot in the Rose Bowl final. As Tim Howard said it will not be a simple result for Panama to repeat.

"...if it is Panama they’re going to have to do it again and it’s not going to be an easy task for them."

Tim Howard and the rest of the squad are hungrier and more prepared to take on Panama the second time around. The Yanks are coming off their most impressive match in the tournament, dismantling a Jamaican squad that was not only undefeated, but they did not even concede a goal prior to the US' 2-0 victory. 

The US tactically and physically out-classed Jamaica in their 4-2-3-1 formation, which allowed them to control possession for the majority of the match. Bob Bradley would be wise to stick with this plan against Panama, a team that previously frustrated the old American 4-4-2 style by sitting back and waiting for the US to make a mistake. With the 5 midfield formation Bradley's squad is more potent in the attack, as they always have two or three players around the ball available for outlet passes. This ability to link up in tight windows all over the pitch allows the US to become a very dynamic team and one that Panama will have trouble stopping. This was clearly evident towards the end of the first match between these two sides when the US created chance after chance, but only managed to score one of the two necessary goals needed to complete the comeback. 
Both Panama and the US will most likely be without KEY offensive weapons. Panama is definitely going to be without their potent striker, Blas Perez, who received a red card at the end of regular time in their insane quarterfinal match vs. El Salvador. Meanwhile, Jozy Altidore is all but certain to miss this re-match as well due to a hamstring strain that he picked up early in the Jamaica match. Jozy is scheduled for an MRI today to determine the true severity of the injury. 

The Yanks are more prepared to handle the absence of their starting striker just because of the depth advantage the US has over Panama. Juan Agudelo can easily slide into this spot, which he did seamlessly against Jamaica or they always have the advantage to put Fulham's leading goal-scorer Clint Dempsey up top. This allows the energetic Alejandro Bedoya to get he start on the left wing, who like Agudelo impressed in the Jamaica game. Where as Panama unlike the US can not replace a player such as the veteran Perez, who has been instrumental in almost all of Panama's goals including their 90th minute game tying strike vs. El Salvador on Sunday.  

In the end this US team will have to prove it on the pitch. All of this talk about formations and their quarterfinal victory over Jamaica is meaningless if they don't come away with the W against Panama. Two losses to Panama in this tournament will be unacceptable and may even cost Bob Bradley his job. There are no excuses left for the US, a place against archival Mexico at the prestigious Rose Bowl is waiting for them; will they take advantage of this opportunity or will it vanish into the Houston night?   

Coach Bradley had this to say about a re-match with Panama after the Jamaica win, “I certainly think they [the players] will be excited for the opportunity for a rematch.” They better be, because their time is now.