Mexico vs. Panama 2014: Watch Live Stream, Start Time, TV Schedule and Predictions
- Jose Serrano
- Oct 12, 2014 05:09 PM EDT
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Calling Mexico and Panama's match a friendly doesn't do justice to the rivalry. They've faced off in numerous CONCACAF Gold Cup matches and had a direct effect on each other's Would Cup qualifying chances last fall.
Los Canaleros were minutes from punching their ticket to Brazil when United States' midfielder Graham Zusi scored a 92nd-minute equalizer. Despite winning just two of ten matches, the Mexican national team advanced to the 2014 World Cup by placing fourth in the region.
Panama was the better team. El Tri just happened to benefit at their expense.
Mexico hasn't allowed a goal since their World Cup exit to the Netherlands. They haven't even lost since the tournament, drawing with Chile and narrowly defeating Bolivia. Ranked 16th in FIFA standings, the Mexicans return vital members for Sunday's match, including Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa and Javier "Chicarito" Hernanadez.
To Panama, last year's Gold Cup is a distant memory. Head coach Julio Dely Valdes was replaced with former Colombian coach Hernan Dario Gomez and the club hasn't looked back. Gomez led Panama to a third place finish in the Central American Cup and a draw against Costa Rica.
Their success lies with Dallas FC striker Blas Perez, who is one goal shy of tying Luis Tejada's team-record 37 goals.
When: Sunday, October 12, 2014
Where: Estadio Corregidora, Queretaro, Mexico
Kick-off: 5:00 p.m. ET
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
TV: ESPN, Univision
What to Watch For:
Mexico's strikers getting in rhythm - Hernandez is still one of the world's most talented forwards but Oribe Peralta is threatening to be the team's go-to striker. The duo worked well in a 2-0 win over Honduras on Thursday with Hernandez scoring off Peralta's assist.
Hector Hererra and Marco Fabian are also looking to make a name for themselves on the international stage. Fabian assists last week initiated the scoring against Los Catrachos by finding an open Oswaldo Alanis. It was also Fabian that started the drive Hernandez scored on.
Head coach Miguel Herrera has numerous weapons to work with. Sunday's match with Panama will go a long way in finding out which rotation works best.
Prediction - El Tri is near unbeatable right now, especially behind Ochoa's stellar goalkeeping. Mexico 2-0
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