Mexico vs. Panama: International Friendly Schedule, Predictions & Preview
The 2014 FIFA World Cup may be over, but soccer fans get to watch a Latin American soccer match between Mexico and Panama Sunday.
Both national teams take great pride in their soccer. Separated by less than 900 miles, Mexico and Panama are both members of (CONCACAF) Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football. Even though this game is just an international friendly, players and coaches have a lot to prove.
Latin Post.com previews this game, provides a schedule and predicts a winner:
Mexico
It was another disappointing end to the FIFA World Cup for the Mexican National Team. Despite being the best North American squad, Mexico failed to advance past the Round of 16 yet again after a loss to the Netherlands. Mexico hasn't made it past the Round of 16 since 1986 when they defeated Bulgaria.
Mexico's coach is Miguel Herrera, who used to play for the Mexican National Team. Forward Javier Hernandez, just 26 years old, is the most skilled offensive player on this team. Hernandez is also a member of the Real Madrid team in Spain
Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico's goaltender played well during the World Cup and has been named the starting goalkeeper. Mexico's biggest weakness is their middle field. Recently, Mexico defeated Honduras 2-0 in an international friendly in Chiapas, Mexico. Hernandez and Oswaldo Alanis scored the only two goals of the game.
Mexico also defeated Bolivia 1-0.
Panama
Soccer is the most popular sport in Panama, but the World Cup hasn't gone their way lately. Panama has failed to qualify for the World Cup every year. Panama does, however, have a very good national team that competes in CONCACAF competitions.
Panama has a new head coach this year, Hernan Gomez. Gomez, who was born in Colombia, has been managing teams since the 1980s including Colombia and Ecuador. Panama comes in as the No. 55 ranked team in the world, according to FIFA.
In contrast to Mexico, Panama has a strong defense and middle field. Gabriel Gomez and Armando Cooper lead the middle fielders, while 28-year-old Roman Torres leads the defensive unit. Óscar McFarlane and Jose Calderon (no, not the Knicks point guard) are the two goalkeepers for Panama.
This will be Panama's first friendly competition since they defeated Cuba 4-0, back in August.
Schedule
Mexico will face Panama in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico at the Estadio La Corregidora in front of over 30,000 fans. The game is scheduled to begin on Sunday at 5 p.m. EST on ESPN2.
Predictions
A great offense against a great defense in this friendly exhibition. More important than scores is to fully set your rosters and set plays. Panama can certainly hold their own, but Mexico will win in the end.
Mexico wins 3-2.
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