Match Report
A late goal from Jose Farjado ensured that Panama will have a chance to eliminate the USA on Tuesday, as a victory for them on the final day could see them progress in shocking fashion, eliminating the hosts in the process.
The USA started off as the better side in the game, showing bright attacking signs in the opening stages. This was topped off with Weston McKennie scoring early on but an infringement from Tim Ream meant the goal was ruled out for offside.
The frustration of VAR continued for the USA, as just minutes later what was originally given as a yellow card for Timothy Weah for an off-the-ball incident with Amir Murillo was upgraded to a red card after review.
The correct decision after replays made evident that Weah had launched a punch at the defender, leaving referee Iván Arcides Barton Cisneros no choice but to end the 24-year-old’s game early.
Tim Weah of United States takes off his jersey after being sent off during the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 Group C match between Panama and United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Their frustrating start to the game finally had some relief in the 22nd minute, as a wonder strike from Folarin Balogun found the top corner from the edge of the box to give the USMNT an early lead in challenging circumstances.
However, the man advantage was evident straight after the goal from Balogun, as just four minutes later a second-chance strike from Cesar Blackman beat Matt Turner from range to level the tie in Atlanta.
Cesar Blackman of Panama celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 Group C match between Panama and United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Panama would then enter a period of dominance for the rest of the match, controlling possession as they looked to find a crucial winning goal in order to keep their hopes of qualification alive. However, the USA stood strong despite being a man down.
The travelling side thought they had their breakthrough in the 62nd minute, as referee Cisneros decided that Cameron Carter-Vickers had taken out substitute Fajardo in the box and awarded Panama what would have been a crucial penalty.
It was not to be for Panama however, as yet another VAR review showed that there was no infringement from the USA centre back and the penalty decision was overturned.
USA began holding on to the draw by any means necessary as the game progressed, knowing the Panama onslaught would continue until the very end of the game. Murillo came close in the 72nd minute inside the box, but his strike proved an easy save for substitute keeper Ethan Horvarth.
Despite this dominance, it was the USMNT that arguably should have taken the lead in the 80th minute, as a fantastic run from McKennie allowed him to pick out the perfect cross to a wide-open Ricardo Pepi at the back post.
Many thought it was a simple finish for Pepi, but he could not generate enough power behind his header and it was saved by Orlando Mosquera.
The deadlock would finally be broken just three minutes later, as super-sub Fajardo swept home a cross from Abidel Ayarza to secure a historic victory for Panama.
There was still drama late on however, as a malicious tackle from Adalberto Carrasquilla saw him also sent off in the last moments of the game but Panama did enough to get over the line and secure all three points.
Referee Ivan Barton shows a red card to Adalberto Carrasquilla of Panama during the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 Group C match between Panama and United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
This result now means that Panama draw level on points with the USA going into the final two fixtures in the group stage. Victory for Panama against Bolivia could see them progress to the knockouts if Gregg Berhalter’s side are not able to get a result against a very strong Uruguay side.
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Publish date : 2024-06-29 21:20:00
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