The Panamanian federations president later alleged the match was fixed, and players were seen arriving at PPL Park on Saturday wearing T-shirts that read, Dignity isn’t bought..
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Mexico will play the 2013 Gold Cup champion United States in a special playoff in the Los Angeles area on Oct. 9 for the right to represent the region at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.
Panama and Costa Rica have formally asked for reviews of CONCACAF’S referee procedures after both countries had questionable calls go against them later in Gold Cup knockout round games against regional power Mexico, according to a person in CONCACAF with knowledge of the requests. Another penalty in extra time, a much less controversial call, aided Mexico in taking a 2-1 win and a spot in the Gold Cup Final. Then came a penalty kick, off a foul all agreed was legitimate, just beyond the 105th minute to send Mexico through to the final.
Maradona was clearly aggrieved by the decision favouring Mexico and was quick to point at an incident from the 1990 World Cup involving a Mexican referee. U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati said there were no parallels between that situation and this year, noting recent exhibition victories over Germany and the Netherlands.
“It’s obviously a disappointment”, Gulati said. Three key players – Blas Perez, Gabriel Gomez and Valentin Pimentel – are injured, while Luis Tejada is suspended for the Mexico red. Fabian Johnson, Michael Bradley, and DaMarcus Beasley were unable to convert their penalties, allowing Panama to claim the victory. In qualifying for the last World Cup, Jamaica went to the famed Estadio Azteca and caused a sizable surprise by holding Mexico to a goalless draw.
In the final minute of extra time in Sunday’s quarterfinal, Mexico was awarded a penalty kick with the game tied 0-0 and converted to beat Costa Rica. On top of that, he has only allowed one total goal in his last four games, which came against Panama in regulation.
Mexico, which is seeking a record-extending seventh Gold Cup title, will face Jamaica in the final on Sunday (8 p.m., FOX Sports 1).
Looking to the final against the Mexicans tomorrow at the Lincoln Financial Field, Hector says he and his teammates remain upbeat and “positive” about the possibilities that lay ahead.
Panama had the first opportunity in the 12th minute when Guzan was almost fooled by a bad hop from a right-sided free kick, but he managed to grab the ball. Every passionate football fan around the world has at one time been on the sharp end of the sword. “It will be even sweeter,” said Barnes, “when we lift the Cup on Sunday.”
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Fans that are not new to the game do not question that, nor do they waste energy in an attempt to vilify human error, as it occurs season to season, and tournament after tournament. DeAndre Yedlin made a nice run into the box and played the ball backwards to Dempsey who netted home on a diving strike. This team will get better.
