Two of the top teams in the CONCACAF World Cup hexagonal begin preparations for their showdown in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
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A tournament that determines who the regional champion of North America, Central America and the Caribbean will be, the Gold Cup serves as another great opportunity for teams to showcase some of the talent they possess up and down the roster while preparing for some other international tournaments, such as the 2014 World Cup.
Mexico and Panama are two squads hoping to qualify for next summer's World Cup in Brazil and while qualifying for the event is on a brief hiatus, this tournament will give both clubs a chance to showcase some of the lesser-known individual players since many big-name players will not be present for the July event.
When and Where to Watch Gold Cup Match
Playing their first match of the three-week tournament, Mexico and Panama will meet on Sunday, July 7th at 8:00pm, EST from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Television coverage will be provided by both the FOX Soccer Channel and Univision channel with pre-match coverage beginning at 7:30pm, EST on both networks.
Those choosing to watch the game on-line can do so by visiting FOX Soccer 2 Go.
Team Preview - El Tri
Mexico has loads of talent on the roster but struggles mightily at times on the offensive end of the field. The fact that El Tri experiences these offensive lapses from time-to-time will now present an opportunity for one of the club's rising talents to display his capability.
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25-year-old Javier Orozco will be heavily relied on for offensive support heading into the Sunday match against Panama. Playing with Liga MX affiliate Cruz Azul from 2005 through the 2013 campaign, the Sinaloa, Mexico native recorded 29 goals in 126 appearances.
Departing Cruz for rival Santos Laguna shortly after his Cruz club fell to America in the Liga MX Final, Orozco remains one of the true rising talents in Mexico and across the international spectrum.
Head coach Jose Manuel de la Torre guides a Mexican team that has enjoyed tremendous success in the Gold Cup. Winning six championships between 1993 and 2011, Mexico will certainly be considered a favorite this time around.
With 12 players on the roster age 25 or younger, this team is full of youth and athleticism, something that could make them a more durable contender in this tournament. In addition to the talents of Orozco, Mexico boasts Confederations Cup member Raul Jimenez, someone certainly capable of playing at a high level on both ends of the field.
Team Preview - Panama
Resting a large portion of his regular roster before World Cup qualifying resumes, Panamanian head coach Julio Dely Valdes will still have the services of premier scorer Blas Perez when Panama opens its tournament against El Tri.
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Perez has been magnificent in qualifying play, notching 10 goals in 15 international contests as he hopes to bring Panama to its first-ever World Cup. A member of MLS squad FC Dallas as well, the 32-year-old will be one of most-recognizable and most-talented players on the field when the 43rd-ranked team in the world takes the to the pitch in the 2013 Gold Cup.
Strong support from goalie Jaime Penedo and phenom Roman Torres should keep Panama in the hunt for this championship. Making their fifth consecutive Gold Cup appearance, Panama won't be overlooked by any team they face, especially El Tri.
The 2 clubs last played in a qualifying match on June 7th where they played to a 0-0 draw. Expect another tight one this time around.
Wrap-Up
Be sure to catch all the Gold Cup action between Mexico and Panama on Sunday, July 7th at 8:00pm, EST. Television coverage will be available through the FOX Soccer Channel and the Univision Network while an on-line live stream can be found by visiting FOX Soccer 2 Go.
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