USA vs Panama
Orlando City Stadium.
It may not be the obvious venue for a crucial World Cup qualifier but actually, one of the most important football games across the globe in the week ahead is about to be played there.
It’s important for both nations.
After a spell in the doldrums, US Soccer supporters and their sports betting fans have genuine hopes for Bruce Arena’s side for whom World Cup qualification for Russia 2018 remains a real target.
Indeed, you can get betting odds of 1X2 USA @ 1.55 compared to Panama @ 5.80, with Stateside backers far more likely to opt for Asian Handicap -1.00 USA @ 2.06.
The math is simple.
Victory over Panama – who lie one point ahead of them – followed by a win against bottom of the group Trinidad and Tobago and America will be playing on the biggest stage of all next summer.
They may trail Panama in the standings, but Arena’s side are clear favourites.
Why are they such clear favourites?
Well, not only has Arena’s appointment led to an upturn in fortunes but Panama are minnows and their hold on third spot – the last automatic qualifying berth – is a precarious one.
They also have a massive psychological hurdle to overcome.
For it’s four years since a dramatic last-gasp defeat to the US saw their maiden World Cup hopes dashed in the cruellest of fashions.
As determined as the Canaleros may be to make amends – they drew 1-1 in the Gold Cup as recently as July – the history books and the odds are stacked against them.
The return of midfielder Benny Feilhaber is expected to give Arena more creative options and, despite poor form, veteran DaMarcus Beasley has retained his place, suggesting Arena is keen on experience when qualification is on the line.
So can Panama make history or will American superiority prevail?
Orlando will be watching.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
