A controversial penalty at the death forced extra-time before another less controversial spot kick decided the tie.
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The Panamanian federation’s president later alleged the match was fixed, and players were seen arriving at PPL Park in suburban Philadelphia on Saturday wearing T-shirts that read, “Dignity isn’t bought”. The Jamaica Observer reported that the Leyton Orient man is suffering from a “slight” foot concern, but team doctor Ivor O’Connor said McAnuff is expected to fit for the final on Sunday night.
There was no shortage of drama in the ensuing penalty shootout though, with Meija denying Bradley and Beasley to seal a deserved win for his side.
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera warned his team against taking Jamaica lightly in their CONCACAF Gold Cup final on Sunday. Jamaica have won four games in a row after drawing their opening game with Costa Rica and the Reggae Boyz have surprised everyone thus far in the tournament, they are only 90 minutes away from a historic win in the Gold Cup.
After the U.S. squandered a two-goal lead in a 4-2 loss to Mexico in the 2011 Gold Cup final, Bob Bradley was fired as coach, leading to Klinsmann’s hire. “Obviously it’s a disappointment”.
Roberto Nurse scored for Panama in the 55th minute, and Clint Dempsey evened the game in the 70th with his tournament-high seventh goal.
The Unites States came out all guns blazing in the second half and in the 48th minute Aron Johannsson brought a save out of Ryan Thompson but the keeper fumbled the ball out to Michael Bradley, who made no mistake as he pulled one back from close range.
“From a soccer standpoint, from a playing standpoint, it wasn’t good enough”, U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan said. The 33-year-old defender had retired from worldwide soccer only to agree to make himself available for the Gold Cup. “Sometimes, you just have to go out there and make sure you win the game by any means necessary”.
Three key players – Blas Perez, Gabriel Gomez and Valentin Pimentel – are injured, while Luis Tejada is suspended for the Mexico red. Of those that started the game that eliminated the U.S. team, only two played a role in the Gold Cup.
Klinsmann plans to shake up his lineup against Panama, but didn’t offer any specifics other than to say DaMarcus Beasley would play in the second half.
Panama were made to pay for their profligacy 20 minutes from time when Klinsmann’s two substitutes combined to draw their side level – Dempsey providing the sliding finish after Yedlin had cleverly lured Meija off his line.
Questionable calls throughout the World Cup effected the results of games on a daily basis, just as they have in the past, but only now is it being considered that an unscrupulous third party helped Mexico reach the Gold Cup final.
“Mexico is one of the best teams in our region”.
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With the pressure off, Jamaica can go for the jugular and they’ll be buoyed by their perfomances at the Copa America in Chile where they played Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.
