There's no pressure whatsoever on the United States in its final group stage match of the Gold Cup. The Americans' foes from Panama though, know that they are going to need a result in this match and some help to have any chance to get into the knockout rounds.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The United States hasn't covered either of its spreads here in the Gold Cup, barely beating Haiti as a 2.5-goal favorite and getting more or less backdoored against Honduras at -1.5 in the opening match.
Manager Jurgen Klinsmann has to be happy over six points in two games, but he has to be frustrated as well about the prospects of just not playing well at all against two clearly inferior teams. With the pressure off and Group A already won, there is a chance to mix and match some players, which could really throw the betting odds in this match for a whirl.
Granted, we're not talking about Panama being favored here, but seeing the US favored by just a goal is entirely possible, especially considering the fact that the Panamanians know that the two points they have thus far probably won't be enough to get into the quarterfinals.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I always approach the game the same – I go out and try to help my team win. I'm in the same situation in Seattle – I'm not the captain there – so I just enjoy playing and try to go out and help the team win. That's what I've always done throughout my career." – American forward Clint Dempsey on getting stripped of the captaincy prior to this tournament in favor of Michael Bradley
RECENT FORM
The United States has looked awfully thin at the back here in this tournament so far. If not for great goaltending by Brad Guzan, we could be talking about a much different situation, and we surely wouldn't be talking about a team with six points in two duels.
Still, the Americans have wins over Honduras (2-1) and Haiti (1-0), and they couldn't ask for much more than that.
Panama has to be kicking itself for the situations it has put itself in. Twice in this tournament, the team was up 1-0 going into the 80th minute of the game. Twice, the Panamanians blew their lead and ended 1-1.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Luis Henriquez is suspended for this match for Panama, and that could end up being a really big deal. Luis Tejada and Blas Perez are going to have to do a lot of work up front on their own without much help from the midfielder.
The entire American effort in this match is going to be about not allowing counterattacks. The US has been buried by counters in this tournament against two lousy teams, and Panama could find plenty of space as well if they aren't careful.
We hate the pairing up top of Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, and we think something needs to be changed. Klinsmann's best lineups have been when Altidore has been on the bench; two of the three American goals in this tournament have come with No. 17 off the pitch.
This could be a wild one as a result if Altidore doesn't play, but we would want no part of the US either way. This defense cannot be trusted. Panama could get a result.
United States 2, Panama 2
The Gold Cup lines for this contest will be first released by BookMaker Sportsbook. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, spreads and totals. Live betting is open during every step of this match!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem! BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The fixture between the United States and Panama is scheduled for Monday, July 14, 2015 at 9:30 p.m. ET at Sporting Park in Kansas City, MO. The match will be televised live on FOX Sports 1.
