In a tournament where the Caribbean nations asserted themselves in the group stage, Trinidad & Tobago moved on to the Gold Cup Quarterfinals to face Panama. Panama are easily better recognized among the CONCACAF teams, leaving Trinidad & Tobago content to defend and exploit the Panamanians on the counterattack, despite a first half goal from Panama, T&T were able to equalize in the second half from six yards.
Panama displayed most of the offensive intent for long stretches throughout the match, doing pretty much whatever they wanted in both the middle and attacking thirds of the field. At times the Soca Warriors appeared fortunate that Panama seemed to be repulsed at the idea of a shot on goal, no matter the distance from the goal.
Extra time proved no different, with Panama creating the most chances but failing to convert much on goal. Still, the Soca Warriors had their share of opportunities.
The most exciting quality of the match was the penalty kick shootout, which went to the ninth round. Despite Roman Flores missing Panama’s first penalty, Panama and T&T battled to a 3-3 tie after the first five rounds. Panama elected to hold FC Dallas forward Blas Perez until the eighth round; he managed to score despite his bad effort on the spot kick. In the ninth round when Peltier of T&T missed his penalty, Panama’s Pimentel walked up to the spot and delivered the 5-6 penalty kick win to his country. Jaime Penedo, the LA Galaxy goalkeeper, was also superb for Panama in the net.
Panama moved on to face the winner of the second match of the day, when Mexico clashes with Costa Rica. Panama finished third in Group A behind the United States and Haiti, managing a 1-1 draw with the Americans in the final match of group play. Despite that result, either Costa Rica or Mexico will prove a potent opponent in the Gold Cup semifinals.
Historcally, Panama has been on the wrong side of the results more often than not against both sides (5-15-9 against Mexico and 10-27-10 against Costa Rica).
Mexico was favored to win both Group C and the tournament itself going into the Gold Cup, despite a group stage that largely underwhelmed most fans.
Costa Rica is a third rising star in CONCACAF and many fans were eager to see whether their success in the 2014 edition of the World Cup could be followed by a shocking upset against the favored Mexico or United States in the 2015 edition Gold Cup. Costa Rica also underperformed in the eyes of many observers in the group stage, raising the stakes of their unlikely Quarterfinal matchup.
Panama will take on the winner of the Mexico/Costa Rica encounter at the meadowlands Wednesday July 22, 2015 at 9pm EST.
