USMNT v. Panama, 2020 friendly: What we learned
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Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Apparently, this international camp will be defined by contrast. The United States Men’s National Team came out against Wales and thoroughly controlled the game, but couldn’t grab a winning goal. Against Panama, the team didn’t have that same control, but was able to bag goal after goal, to the tune of 6-2. Personally, I think the latter is more fun to watch.
As with so many of these friendlies, this match against Panama comes with its own caveats. Panama appears to be on the down swing, with pivotal players like Blas Pérez, Jaime Penedo, and Luis Tejada coming to the end of their careers. It’s not the same Panama team that pipped the U.S. to a World Cup spot in 2017. In spite of their decline, Panama remains fairly representative for much of the middle-talent in CONCACAF. Indeed, there’s a good chance that the USMNT will see Panama in World Cup qualifying. Panama has to