Panama vs. United States Expert Pick and Prediction – June 27, 2024

PANAMA VS. UNITED STATES EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTION – June 27, 2024 — Matchday 2 for the United States should be another straightforward affair. Historically, Panama hasn’t done very well on American soil, losing its past two visits here by 5-1 and 6-2. The Canaleros do press the issue far more than Bolivia, and they’ll probably have to do so here.

The one saving grace for Panama is that the United States didn’t put up a big number on the Bolivians on Matchday 1. With a -2 in goal difference, Panama could opt to play for the draw and shoot for a big number on Bolivia. That, however, would require Uruguay to beat the U.S. on Matchday 3, which is far from certain.

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The United States’ path is simple: Beat Panama and advance to the knockout stage. If the U.S. wins, they’ll be on six points and can finish no worse than second in the group. A draw would mean they have to get a result against Uruguay, as Panama will almost certainly best Bolivia. Besides that, the U.S. shouldn’t be drawing with a side like Panama at home anyway.

The biggest question in the American camp is how they’ll handle a side that can actually press forward. Bolivia never came close to threatening to get back in the match. Panama is a step above that, but it’s still a side that the Americans should handle. Whether the U.S. plays to its potential will tell a lot about what to expect as the matches get tougher.

Kickoff

Teams: Panama vs. United States

When: Thursday, June 27 at 6 p.m. EST

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

TV: FOX

Spread: Panama +0.5/United States -0.5

Moneyline: Panama +750/United States -260/Draw +390

Totals: Over 2.5 (+120)/Under 2.5 (-105)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings, as of June 27th, 2024 

Scouting Panama

This Panama side has aged out a fair amount from the group that reached the 2018 World Cup. The midfield is young and fairly untested, and there aren’t many proven scorers up top. It’s telling that the one goal came from the back line and in desperation mode. This side isn’t as weak in the attack as Bolivia, but it doesn’t yet possess either the quality or experience to handle better sides like Uruguay or the U.S.

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The biggest concern here is how Panama approaches this match. Los Canaleros could opt to soak up attacks and count on the U.S. to feel the pressure. The Americans wasted chances against Bolivia, and further waste could give Panama the chance it needs.

Scouting United States

Expect some squad rotation in this match. The U.S. knows Panama well and will likely get players like Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright a fair amount of playing time. They’ll also try to get some of their bigger names a rest in preparation for Uruguay.

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Christian Pulisic will probably still play a full 90, but Weston McKinnie could be used as a sub while playing on a yellow card. Tyler Adams is also a good bet to see limited time, as the U.S. will want him fully fit for Uruguay.

Best Bets

United States Win to Nil (-105): It’s tough to take this, given that you’re still not getting plus money. But Panama’s scoring weakness and the United States’ need to rotate players before the knockout stages means you can’t be too aggressive here. This is one where you just want to take the win and get out.

Both Teams to Score, No (-135): Again, Panama’s attack isn’t very good. Its goal came with Uruguay up 3-0 and feeling comfortable. Against a side that’s fully engaged and talented, the Panamanians don’t have enough to answer.

United States 2-0 (+400): This is risky, because the U.S. is capable of putting together a big number against this opposition. But most likely, the U.S. isn’t concerned about goal differential. It wants to test itself against Uruguay first and foremost. That means it’s not going to shoot for a big number here and play for a draw in match 3. It’s going to go for the win and get out.