The 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup has one match remaining and in what should cap off a highly entertaining tournament in thrilling fashion, the championship showdown pitting the United States against Panama may prove to be the best contest yet.
The United States enters the final off a strong semifinal victory over Honduras. Taking down Donis Escober and the Honduran nationals 3-1, the United States set themselves up with an opportunity to win the team's fifth Gold Cup title and first since 2007.
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Panama returns to the Gold Cup championship match for the first time since falling 3-1 to the United States in 2005. Thanks to its second tournament defeat of Mexico in the semi's, Gabriel Torres and company are fully capable of taking down a very talented United States national team.
When and Where to Watch Gold Cup Final
Playing the final match from Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, the United States and Panama will meet on Sunday, July 28th. Scheduled to begin at 4:00pm, ET, television coverage will be provided by the FOX Network with a pregame show beginning at 3:30pm.
Those choosing to watch the final on-line can do so by visiting FOX Soccer 2 Go.
Match Preview
The United States hasn't dropped a game in this tournament but as they ride a ten-match win streak into Sunday's final, the USMNT may be without the guidance of head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
The 48-year-old coach was ejected from the United States' 3-1 semifinal victory over Honduras earlier in the week for showing up referee Walter Quesada and as the team continues to prepare for another title shot, Klinsmann is obviously apologetic but realizes that the CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee may not allow him to be on the sideline.
"It was just a reaction out of frustration because fouls had added up throughout the last half an hour," Klinsmann told MLSSoccer.com reporters. "I just kind of overboiled it. Obviously, you shouldn't then throw the ball or hit it on the ground. I apologize for that reaction, but it was not meant against the referee, against nobody. I apologize for that."
Klinsmann was noticeably upset by a two-man tackle from behind on his captain DeMarcus Beasley and despite his coaches poor handling of the situation, U.S. scorer Landon Donovan wants to play the match with the man currently leading the United States soccer resurgence.
"That would not be good for us. We're very hopeful that that's not the case," Donovan said regarding the possibility of Klinsmann missing Sunday's final. "It's not automatic that he's out for the final. You never want to see a player or coach suspended for a final. Hopefully whoever reviews that takes that into consideration. I'm sure he's remorseful for what he did. Sometimes that happens in a game."
While the United States continues to monitor the ongoing situation concerning Klinsmann while preparing for the championship, Panama is focused on slowing a USMNT offense that has outscored opponents 19-4 in 5 Gold Cup matches.
Defenders Roman Torres and keeper Jamie Penedo will certainly be relied upon Sunday evening as the Panamanians look to stop the brutal offensive attack of the United States. Penedo held Mexico to only one goal in the semifinals and another strong performance may just be enough if the Panama offense answers the bell.
Premier scorer Gabriel Torres will be an obvious target of the USMNT defense. Tied with Chris Wondolowski and Landon Donovan with 5 Gold Cup tallies, a clutch performance from one of the tournament's most dangerous players could help Panama enjoy its first Gold Cup championship while erasing bad memories from the 2005 Final loss.
Wrap Up
Catch the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final on Sunday, July 28th at 4:00pm, ET. Television coverage will be provided by the FOX Network with an on-line live stream available through FOX Soccer 2 Go.
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