Mexico and Panama should both be counting their lucky stars that they were able to survive their quarterfinal matchups to reach this point in the Gold Cup.
Both will be heading to Philadelphia when this match in Atlanta is said and done with, but there will be a big difference between winning this duel, thus getting into the Gold Cup Final, and being relegated to the third place game instead.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Mexico is clearly the better of these two teams on paper, and it shows here according to the oddsmakers as well. El Tri is favored by a goal on the Asian handicap, or the equivalent of -163 on the moneyline.
The total in this game is relatively low though, which makes a lot of sense after these two teams combined to play 240 minutes of soccer on Sunday with just a total of three goals being scored. The number to beat is 2 (over -122).
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I knew I had to take responsibility. The group was confident in me. They're the type of decisions you take in a second, and fortunately everything went well." – Mexico captain Andres Guardado, who struck home the penalty kick in the 120th minute on Sunday to put El Tri in the semifinals
RECENT FORM
Mexico hasn't been at its best in this tournament. The team's last two matches against Trinidad and Tobago and Costa Rica have been anything but inspiring, and the fact of the matter is that the duel against Los Ticos could have easily gone the other way.
Miguel Herrera though, lives to fight another day after the controversial penalty call in the 120th minute that ultimately sent Mexico into the semifinal. Clearly, a loss in this match, and Herrera's job will come into serious question.
Panama has taken a 1-0 lead in four consecutive matches here in the Gold Cup, and four consecutive times, it has managed to blow that lead and end with a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Fortunately for the Panamanians, they were given a lease on life in the form of extra time against T&T on Sunday. They didn't take the most of their many chances in the extra frame though, and they needed nine rounds of a shootout to advance.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The only difference we see in this match is the fact that Mexico has a team which has the confidence of its captain, while Panama's captain is surprisingly quiet.
Blas Perez was very good for Panama against Trinidad and Tobago, but he blew the chances at the end of the match to score. He had a glorious chance on 90 minutes and sent a shot at a relatively open net wide, and he followed that up with a number of dud balls in the extra time as well. Furthermore, Perez wasn't used until very deep into the shootout, and from where we are sitting, that's a sign that his captain's armband needs to come off.
Mexico had all of the pressure in the world on Costa Rica for about 75 minutes on Sunday and failed to finish. Carlos Vela has awful at the final third, missing no less than four or five clear opportunities. Most days, he would have had a hat trick to his name.
This match is screaming to be a draw at 90 minutes as we see it. From there, we think this one could end up going all the way, and if that's what happens, we have more confidence in Mexico's five men than in Panama's.
Mexico 1, Panama 1 (Mexico advances on penalties)
BookMaker has live Gold Cup odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Mexico opened as a -163 favorite. The first offering of the total came in at 2 (over -122). Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between Mexico and Panama will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at 9:00 p.m. at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 2.
