Mexico will seek to pick up their second straight victory in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying on Tuesday when they face off against Panama in Panama City.
El Tri’s matchup with the Panamanians comes on the heels of their historic 2-1 victory over the United States in Columbus on Friday. The win was Mexico’s first victory at MAPFRgh E Stadium, a place the USMNT had defeated them by the score 2-0 in four previous meetings.
Although Mexico scored a major victory last Friday, head coach Juan Carlos Osorio states that his team is calm ahead of their challenge against Panama.
"One of the reasons we feel calm is because we know the opponent very well and we know his virtues, but we also know our own, and we know that we have not only talent, but the attitude and determination to go for the result,” Osorio told reporters.
Giovani dos Santos and Mexico will take on a Panama squad that earned a 1-0 road victory over Honduras last week in San Pedro Sula. Former Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo made several key saves before Fidel Escobar’s free kick put Los Canaleros up for good.
Just who will face the Panamanians on Tuesday remains to be seen. Changes are expected for Osorio’s squad with starters Andres Guardado, Carlos Vela, and Carlos Salcedo having returned to their club sides. Traditionally, Osorio has also sought to rotate players facing short rest which could mean wholesale switches to the squad, including Dos Santos.
Regardless of who lines up, Tuesday’s match represents a significant opportunity for the team.
"If we are capable of winning in Panama, it would be a statement," said Guardado after Mexico’s win over the U.S.."We could say that Mexico has returned to being an important and feared team in the region."
