Panama vs USA

Watch Panama vs USA full match replay and highlight. This is a match of CONMEBOL Copa America 2023/2024, Group C – Round 2.
Kick off: 22:00 GMT Thursday Jun 27, 2024.Referee: Iván Barton, El Salvador.
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia.

USA 1-2 Panama: Timothy Weah’s Red Card Costs USA as Fajardo’s Late Goal Seals Victory for Panama

In a dramatic and intense Copa América 2024 clash in Atlanta, Panama secured a vital 2-1 victory over a 10-man USA, blowing Group C wide open with one round of games left. The hosts, facing the threat of a rare group-stage exit, must now get a result against Uruguay in their final match to ensure progression.

Key Events:

• Early Setback for USA: Timothy Weah’s red card for violent conduct left USA with 10 men for over 70 minutes.
• Goals:
• Panama: José Fajardo (83′)
• USA: Folarin Balogun (First-half)
• Panama Equalizer: César Blackman

Match Summary

First Half:

Gregg Berhalter fielded an unchanged USA side from their impressive win over Bolivia, aiming to continue the tradition of host nations not exiting the tournament at the group stage for 37 years. The USA started strong, with Chris Richards’ header being tipped onto the bar by Orlando Mosquera, only for Tim Ream’s follow-up layoff to Weston McKennie being ruled offside.

The match took a dramatic turn when Timothy Weah was sent off following a VAR review for violent conduct against Roderick Miller. Despite the setback, USA took the lead through Folarin Balogun’s unexpected left-footed strike. However, Panama quickly responded with César Blackman firing past Matt Turner to level the score.

Second Half:

USA’s second half was defined by resilience and defensive efforts. Matt Turner was replaced by Ethan Horvath due to injury, and Horvath was tested immediately, pushing away Edgardo Fariña’s long-range shot. A VAR review overturned a penalty decision against Cameron Carter-Vickers, providing a brief reprieve for USA.

Despite being a man down, USA’s Folarin Balogun almost caught Panama off-guard with a 70th-minute effort. However, Panama’s pressure paid off when substitute José Fajardo capitalized on Abdiel Ayarza’s cross, scoring the decisive goal in the 83rd minute. Panama also saw Adalberto Carrasquilla sent off late, but held on for the win.

Key Players:

• Timothy Weah (USA): Red card significantly impacted USA’s strategy.
• Folarin Balogun (USA): Scored a crucial goal despite the team’s disadvantage.
• José Fajardo (Panama): Scored the winning goal, crucial for Panama’s chances.

Implications:

The defeat leaves USA needing a result against Uruguay to progress, while Panama, boosted by this win, will face Bolivia in their final group game. The outcome of the group remains uncertain, with all teams fighting for a spot in the knockout stages.

Upcoming Fixtures:

• USA vs Uruguay: A must-win for USA to avoid group-stage elimination.
• Panama vs Bolivia: Panama looking to secure their knockout stage spot.