Panama vs Mexico
CONCACAF 2018 World Cup Qualifiers – 5th Round.
Date: Wednesday, 16th November 2016.
Kick-off at 2:05 am UK,
Venue: Estadio Rommel Fernandez, Panama City.
Panama finished the Group B competitions in the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifiers at second place behind Costa Rica. The team began their Hexagonal stint with a 1-0 win over a hard-fighting Honduras XI on the road at the Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula last Friday, Fox News Latino reported.
Young center back Fidel Escobar was able to score the winning goal for head coach Hernán Darío Gómez's squad in the 22nd minute to open their campaign on a high note.
Only the top three teams at the end of the Hex will outright qualify to the 2018 World Cup in Russia so every game in the qualifying tournament is crucial for all six teams involved.
Meanwhile, Mexico once again displayed that they are the best team in the CONCACAF confederation as they turned back a gritty challenge from the United States, 2-1, on the road at the Mapfre Stadium in Columbus, Ohio also last Friday, as per USA Today.
Porto winger Miguel Layun was the man of the match for head coach Juan Carlos Osorio's side as he contributed a goal and an assist for El Tri.
Layun netted the opening goal in the 20th minute of the contest to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the halftime break.
Hamburger SV forward Bobby Wood then leveled the count in the 49th as he directed a cross by fellow American striker Jozy Altidore towards the net of Mexico goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera.
The game looked headed into a stalemate and a share of a point in the standings for the US and Mexico, but Layun assisted on midfielder Rafael Marquez's goal just one minute left before the full-time whistle was blown.
Panama vs Mexico: Head-to-Head Stats
The teams recently met in a friendly a months ago, on 12th October at Panama and Mexico edged a narrow 1-0 win aided by a second half goal from the veteran striker Oribe Peralta. This was Mexico’s sixth straight win against Panama in all competitions.
Panama were able to hold Mexico to draws in the last two World Cup qualifying fixtures at home. However they are win-less in the last three as Mexico edged a 1-0 win in their visit on 2000.
Panama vs Mexico: Predictions
The Mexicans are a true powerhouse in the zone and on current form they are tipped as heavy favourites by many bookmakers. But we believe Panama are a team in good spirits. One of the major factor to consider is their ability to frustrate sides with their well-organized defense. They also have some skill full players in the attack who are handy in counter attacking situations. Mexico in such a fine form could eventually get their win, but this won’t be easy.
Panama vs Mexico: Bet Tips
Half-Time Result: Draw at 2.00 (1/1)
Full-Time Result: Mexico to win at 1.80 (4/5)
Correct Full-Time Score: 1-0 win for Mexico at 3.70 (27/10).
