CONCACAF Gold Cup: Can Panama Make History as Mexico Go in Search of No. 9?

Mexico vs Panama

North America’s major tournament, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, is set for a conclusion this weekend as the record eight-time winners of the competition face twice beaten finalists.

Mexico are red hot favourites to claim a ninth crown, while Panama, who only qualified once until 2005, are out to upset the odds for the second time in a matter of days.

Gold Cup glory is at stake in Los Angeles – it’s El Tri against the Canaleros.

Talking Points

Now I’ve only seen Panama play a few times on the big stage and, on both occasions, most recently at the 2018 World Cup, the gulf in class was evident.

Yet after defeating holders the USA so dramatically in their semi-final in midweek, what’s to stop them creating more CONCACAF Gold Cup 2023 highlights and becoming the first nation from Central America to triumph.

In recent weeks, they have exhibited intelligent and opportunistic football which has given them the platform to create history.

Many, myself included, thought a US-Mexico final was highly likely until a few nights ago so the Panamanians carry momentum into the showpiece.

While Panama were taking the US all the way to extra-time and a penalty shootout, which they won 5-4 following a 1-1 draw, Mexico had a far more straightforward progression with a 3-0 victory over Jamaica.

They have their own incentive.

Mexico are the heavy favourites heading to the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Panama — Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa punts the ball during the second half of their CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Costa Rica

Runners-up last time out and champions in 2015 and 2019, history could also be in the making on Sunday as legendary goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is poised to break the record for the most Gold Cup appearances by a Mexico player.

If selected, he will reach the 25-game plateau, one ahead of former teammate Andres Guardado (24).

With a win, Ochoa would also become the first player to win five Gold Cups (2009, 2011, 2015, and 2019), placing himself one ahead of DaMarcus Beasley and Landon Donovan of the United States.

On the verge of such milestones, and with a determination to regain the crown, this could just be one match too many for plucky Panama.

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History

Mexico have a distinct upper hand in this fixture.

Their very first clashes were in the summer of 1937 when the two nations drew 2-2 before El Tri won the third friendly.

That was the first of 24 times they have tasted victory in this meeting, alongside a further 12 draws and five Panama victories.

Two of those came in friendlies a few months apart in 1980 and the most recent two in this competition.

In Group A in 2013 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Panama took the lead through a seventh minute penalty, converted by Gabriel Torres.

Mexico equalised before the break through Marco Fabian, but Panama regained the advantage just after the break when Torres grabbed his second.

When they repeated victory by the same scoreline in the semi-final just two and half weeks later, Roman Torres with the winner this time, there was genuine shock. Panama were narrowly beaten by the US in the subsequent final.

Since then, Mexico have won 11 and drawn two of their 13 matchups, including in the CONCACAF Nations League last month when an early Jesús Gallardo goal proved enough.

In qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, the sides drew 1-1 in Panama City when Rolando Blackburn and Jesus Corona traded goals.

Mexico won the return fixture in February last year, courtesy of a Raul Jimenez penalty.