Uruguay vs Panama: International Soccer Friendly 2015 Schedule, Stream, Predictions & Preview
Uruguay and Panama will play each other in an international friendly game. Although just an exhibition, this Latin American match is a must-watch for soccer fans everywhere after the Copa America and Gold Cup.
Let's preview the game and predict a winner.
Uruguay (18)
It wasn't a great ending for the Uruguay National Team at the 2015 Copa America. After getting past group stage, they were defeated by Chile in the knockout round. Chile would go on to win it all on their home soil and Uruguay fans remember that.
In case you were wondering, Barcelona star Luis Suarez will not be playing. He is still serving his nine match international suspension from the biting incident at the 2014 FIFA World Cup against Italy. As a matter of fact Edinson Cavani is also suspended because of his antics against Chile at the Copa America. There's no doubt about it, Uruguay isn't at full strength.
Head coach Óscar Tabárez will be going with Fernando Muslera in goal against Panama.
Without Suarez or Cavani on the field, it will be up to Christian Stuani to led the offensive unit. Uruguay will have to dominate the time of possession in this one if they want the win. That's where Cristian Rodríguez, a great midfielder, comes into a play. Uruguay may be short-handed on offense, but they still have a tremendous defense. Maxi Pereira and team captain Diego Godin should be able to limit the amount of shots on goal.
Panama (59)
It was such a disappointing end for Panama at the Gold Cup just months ago. Maybe robbery. Leading Mexico 1-0 in extra time, thanks to a goal from team captain Roman Torres, it looked like Panama would easily move on to the next round. Instead Mexico's Andrés Guardado scored two controversial goals in extras to win the game.
Panama may be ranked No. 59 in the FIFA World rankings, but don't let that fool you. This team can play, and like Uruguay, they are very physical in front of the net. This will be Panama's first game since they defeated the United States in the Gold Cup back in July.
Jaime Penedo will be getting the start in net with Torres and Luis Henríquez leading the defensive unit. Panama has a slightly better offense than Uruguay with Luis Tejada and Blas Pérez commanding the forwards.
Panama will have a chance to avenge their loss to Mexico come October in another international friendly.
Schedule, Where to Watch
Uruguay and Panama will play each other on Friday, Sep. 4 at 9:30 p.m. EDT. The game will be played at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama. You can watch a live game stream here.
Prediction
This should be a low scoring game. Panama is hungrier than ever, and Uruguay has to get ready for a game against Costa Rica on Saturday. Panama has a good defense and a slightly better offense given the fact that Uruguay has so many suspended players. having home field advantage will help as well.
Panama wins 1-0
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1
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