SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is the venue for the Gold Cup final between heavy favourites Mexico and shock contenders Panama. The big-priced underdog sensationally beat the USA on penalties in the semi-finals, and are aiming to win this trophy for the first time in their history. Panama, who were runners-up in the 2005 and 2013 Gold Cup, have proven they are no mugs, but this will be a mighty challenge facing a strong and likely fresher Mexican unit.
You can join in on the excitement with a bet builder, and we’ve provided all the details you need to support you in your quest for winners. Read on below for our Mexico vs Panama stats and bet builder tips preview.
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Mexico VS Panama Predicted Lineups
El Tri are unlikely to switch things up
Mexico lined up in a 4-4-2 formation vs Jamaica in the semi-finals, but there’s a possibility they did that just to match up with their opponents. In the quarter-final vs Haiti, they were in a 4-1-4-1 system and it’s they could well revert to that. However, after such a dominant display in midweek it’s unlikely many changes, if any, will be made. The striker duo of Martin and Sanchez should be maintained with Mexico going with a dual-threat option up top.
Clear tactical system won’t be tweaked for Panama
Panama play in a well-defined 3-4-3 system. After a gruelling semi-final, which went all the way to penalties, there might be a temptation to freshen things up, but they will more than likely be unchanged. The key man in the middle of the park for Panama will be Anibal Godoy, who holds things together. They have an exciting front three of Diaz, Quintero, and Fajardo. Ismael Diaz has especially been in excellent form and caught the eye with a hat trick against Qatar in the quarter-finals.
Mexico vs Panama Team Stats
Mexico have been dominant in all areas
Mexico have dominated this Gold Cup and average 2.40 goals per game from an impressive 1.90 xG. They’ve been defensively sound both on the field and in terms of metrics. The Gold Cup favourites have remarkably averaged just 1.60 shots on target against per 90 mins which is a really low rate. Corners have been high in Mexico fixtures at an average of 9.80. They’ve managed to draw a whopping 3.20 cards from their opponents in each match. This shouldn’t be considered a surprise considering how dominant they’ve been and the technical players they possess.
Panama have been firing in attack
Panama have been surprisingly strong offensively in this tournament. They average an impressive 2.20 goals per game and have been legitimately strong with a 1.73 xG average. Defensively, they’ve been reasonably sound, and teams have only averaged 2.40 SOT against them. Panama have conceded roughly one goal per game which is in line with their metrics. It is noticeable that the underdogs for this final have conceded a low number of average corners per game (3.40), possibly due to their tactical setup which forces the opposition inside.
Mexico vs Panama Players to Watch
Martin should test the Panama keeper
Henry Martin will spearhead the Mexico attack, either on his own or in a front two. There will be plenty of expectations on his shoulders but there’s no reason why he shouldn’t deliver. Martin had one shot vs Jamaica in the semi-final and it was on target. He can be added to your Mexico vs Panama bet builder at 1.20, and this looks safe. For those who want to be more adventurous, then Martin to have 2 or more shots on target can be backed at a bigger price of 1.90.
Jorge Sanchez could be a foul candidate
It is noticeable that Mexico’s right back Jorge Eduardo Sanchez leads the team for fouls at this Gold Cup with nine. In his position, there is a tendency to give away some cheap free kicks in less dangerous areas. He is surprisingly priced at 1.40 for just one or more fouls and a tasty 2.88 for multiple infractions. He will be up against Ismael Diaz who is perhaps Panama’s biggest offensive threat so he will be tested hard in this final.
Luis Chavez a big price to hit the target
The Pachuca midfielder has been in good form at this Gold Cup, netting twice in five appearances and racking up a total of 6 shots on target. He will try his luck if the right situation arises and with Mexico likely to control the game on the front foot it might be down to one of their deeper players to make something happen should Panama be hard to break down. Odds of 1.91 just for Chavez to have one or more shots on target look big for someone who is firing accurately in this tournament.
Fine form of Ismael Diaz can’t be dismissed
Diaz has been one of the stand-out stars for Panama at this tournament. He’s netted four times, including that sensational hat trick in the quarter-finals vs Qatar. Diaz also has the second most shots on target of any player in this tournament (7). He is one of the in-form players and Panama are underrated offensively. He will cut inside off the left wing and take a few chances, so the odds of 1.91 look big on him to hit the target at least once.
Anibal Godoy to come under pressure in midfield
If Panama are to be competitive in this Gold Cup final, then they will need their key man in midfield, Anibal Godoy, to have a strong game. Godoy has already racked up three yellow cards in this tournament and will play dirty if needed. He’s going to be surrounded by some skilful players who will try and win free kicks so it would be a surprise if he didn’t commit a couple of fouls. Godoy is one of the shortest players in the market to make one or more fouls (1.10) but odds of 1.62 on him committing two offences look fairly appealing.
Yoel Barcenas to continue his dirty ways
The biggest offender for fouls in this tournament from a Panamanian perspective has been right wing back Yoel Barcenas. He has racked up 8 fouls and will surely commit at least one against the Mexican wingers. Barcenas could also commit some fouls in less dangerous offensive areas just closing the ball down. He’s priced at 1.25 for one or more fouls which could be a smart addition to your Mexico vs Panama bet builder.
Key matchups to watch
Jorge Sanchez vs Ismael Diaz
Yoel Barcenas vs Orbelin Pineda
Anibal Godoy vs Luis Chavez
Mexico vs Panama Bet Builder Tips and Picks of the Pack
With the premise of the final pointing towards a nail-biter as Panama attempts to join the very exclusive list of winners, consisting of just Mexico and the USA, we have organised a four-fold bet builder that hopes to keep you glued to your seat. By all means, add or replace selections with your own picks if you prefer!
Mexico vs Panama
17th July
kick off 0:30 Mexico to win (90 mins)
Had a comfortable semi-final win whereas Panama had a proper ding-dong with the USA, prevailing on penalties.
No other team apart from the USA or Mexico has ever won the Gold Cup.
Luis Chavez 1+ SOTThe Mexican Midfielder has hit the target 6 times in this tournament and scored two goals.
His tail is up, and Mexico might need someone from midfield to break the deadlock.
Jorge Sanchez 1+ foulsHe leads Mexico for fouls in this tournament with 9 cautions.
Playing at right back his position tends to generate quite a few fouls and he is up against a very dangerous Panama winger in Ismael Diaz.
Yoel Barcenas 1+ foulsPanama’s most serial fouler in this tournament will have a tricky test at right wing back vs the Mexican wingers, Orbelin Pineda in particular.
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