United States eliminated Panama yesterday- The team of Gregg Berhalter destroyed Panama. The American national team has now a 95% to be on Qatar 2022. However, the guys of Thomas Christiansen are eliminated of World Cup for the second time in a row.
The relevant player of the game was totally the player of Chelsea, Christian Pulisic. The striker of 23 years old was decisive in the victory of his team. He scored a hat-trick is just 65´minutes. Although they have to play against Costa Rica for ensure the pass to World Cup, is very difficult that beat the goal difference between both teams. Also, this duel was too relevant for the two teams. One the one hand, Panama came from winning Costa Rica and with real options to stay in the top positions. On the other hand, USA wanted to close the pass after the tough game against Mexico 4 days ago.
The match started with a high pressure of the Panamanians. But little by little the local team achieved to rev up and scored until 4 goals in the first half. Some big mistakes of the away team were the faults on their own area. They conceded two penalties on just 45´minutes. And obviously, a talented player as Christian Pulisic would not fail from eleven metres. From the first penalty goal in minute 17´, Panama fell apart. Three goals in a frame of 10´minutes decided the match and condemned the Panamanians.
The local team kept pushing and taking advantage of the space from sides. After a good assist of Robinson, Arriola expanded the difference. In less than 5 minutes, Arriola will assist this time to Ferreira to did the third one. With these tragic 10 minutes of away team, the victory was clear. So they run out of gasoline.
Due to this exciting and quick goals, the fans in the stadium of Florida were exciting. As soon as their team scored the goals, everything turned into a party.
This result different things for these teams. The American national team is almost on Qatar 2022 (just in case they don´t lose against Costa Rica with high numbers of goals embedded). Panama is out of the World Cup and they won´t dispute their second World Cup on their history, a big pity.
Jorge Barbero
