The U.S. males’s nationwide group’s second Copa America group stage match will definitely be more durable than the primary, particularly with a CONCACAF rival opposing them at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday.
Panama awaits the USMNT in Atlanta, Georgia within the first head-to-head matchup since July 2023. Thomas Christiansen’s squad eradicated the People from the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals final summer time, which ended the USMNT’s hopes of repeating as champions of the match.
Most of the present USMNT squad have been additionally a part of a 1-0 World Cup Qualifying loss to Panama again in 2021, the primary for the U.S. ever on Panamanian soil. The USMNT can be favored to get a consequence on Thursday, however is aware of how robust the matchup can be.
“They bring about man-to-man stress,” USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner stated of Panama. “They’re a group that has numerous actually gifted gamers and athletes. It’s to be anticipated, a bodily sport, actually aggressive.”
“We don’t know which Panama group we’re going to get,” winger Tim Weah stated. “We’re simply going to return out 100% and never take something without any consideration, put all our playing cards on the desk, and ensure we execute.”
The USMNT edged Bolivia 2-0 on Sunday in Arlington, Texas, utilizing first-half targets from Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun to earn three factors. Matt Turner was not often troubled by the Bolivia assault, whereas Pulisic, Balogun, and left again Antonee Robinson have been among the many vibrant spots in Gregg Berhalter’s squad.
Panama nonetheless suffered a 3-1 loss to Group C favorites Uruguay regardless of being down by one purpose up till the eighty fifth minute. Loads of their key leaders will have to be essential in opposition to the USMNT together with Aldaberto Carrasquilla, Edgar Barcenas, and Michael Murillo.
The USMNT now has three matches below their belt this month and after incomes their first victory, confidence is excessive among the many group as they attempt to precise revenge in opposition to Panama.
“We’re actually simply sticking to the plan,” Weah stated. “We’ve had this gameplan since day one. We keep true, we’re intentional with the way in which that we play. We’re a group now that understands one another, and I feel we’re beginning to see that much more as we’re entering into these different video games and as we’re getting older as a bunch.
“I feel it’s only a stunning factor to see us rising as a unit, as a household. We’re beginning to present it on the sector,” he added. “We simply need to proceed constructive performances.”