Skip to main content

Gold Cup 2013: USA 1-0 Panama

The USA was victorious over Panama this Sunday by a score of 1-0, capturing the 5th Gold Cup Championship for the Red, White and Blues.  As expected veteran Landon Donovan played superb providing an assist on substitute Brek Shea's goal in the 69th minute.  The USA played extremely well dominating possession with 69.3% as well as limiting Panama to 0 shots on net.  The statistics tell the total story of the match, as the USA completed 84% of there passes while Panama only completed 67%.  The Gold Cup Championship captured by the USA has seemed to pave the way for the likes of Landon Donovan, Mix Diskerud, Kyle Beckerman, Joe Corona and Brek Shea all possibly playing themselves back into contention for the 2014 World Cup squad.

The biggest aspects the USA capitalized on during the match was owning the time of possession and playing with total composure.  The entire match, the USA seemed to dictate the flow of the game. Previous USA sides have not been able to control the flow of the game as well, baring the level of the opponent. However, the largest sign a team is progressing is to see them handily beat teams they are suppose to.

As I stated in my preview of the final, I labelled Landon Donovan as the key to victory and as predicted he came through.  Donovan who was named as the Golden Ball winner of the tournament, provided a total of 5 goals and 8 assists through the group stages and knockout rounds.  His ability to get involved in the offense as well as the defensive side of play set the tone early.  His effort was rewarded when he assisted on Brek Shea's goal during the 69th minute. As well as Landon, Kyle Beckerman put in a phenomenal performance capturing the Man of the Match honors.  I expect this duo to be featured on the upcoming World Cup Qualifying roster, once fixtures return.

The USA's 2013 Gold Cup campaign is one which will be looked back on as extremely successful. With the return of World Cup Qualifying looming, Uncle Sam's Army seems to be in the proper position for a promising World Cup 2014 push.  


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

10 Days Till Euro 2012 - Group A Review

Group A  Prediction 1. Czech Republic 2. Russia                  3. Poland                 4. Greece Czech Republic - FIFA Ranking - 26      With one of the best and in best form keepers, the "Cech-Republic", will need Petr Cech preforming at his best in order to progress.  Another key to the success of the Czech side will be the play of Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky and Bordeaux skipper Jaroslav Plasil.  Both are highly talented and experienced, combined with over 150 international appearances, the play and leadership abilities of the pair could help them slide through the group easily . Russia - FIFA Ranking - 11    Two words, one name, Alan Dzagoev.  The 22 year old striker enjoyed a very successful domestic season at his club CKSA Moscow, as well as being the leading scorer during Euro qualification. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

FPL Official - Five Noteworthy Forwards

Welcome back!  My international call up of sorts, where I current cover all things EPL wise for Togga,  has seen me absent from posting.  However, based on demand, I will be returning to provide regular coverage of the English Premier League and United States Men's National Team.  The Premier League season is entering the final stretch.  This campaign has been headlined by the historic conquest of Leicester City, the fall of once storied Aston Villa and the on-going debate surrounding the future of Manchester United's coaching dilemma.  With that said, here is some pointers for ensuring a strong finish to your Fantasy Premier League campaign.   The Price Is Right - Graziano Pelle, Southampton Current Value: 7.9m Selected By: 8.8% Total Score: 125 A personal favorite, the Italian has had an up-and-down season.  However, his current form has rocketed him to the top of this list.  In his past five appearances he...
Post a Comment
Read more

Transfer Update

Article I posted already, with rumors set to come true *Transfer News* As of late the summer transfer rumor have been swirling around a few individuals: Robin Van Persie( Arsenal ), Lucas Moura ( Sao Paulo ) and Andy Carroll ( Liverpool ). Robin Van Persie   Linked To  -  Manchester United , Manchester City, Juventus    Prediction  - I believe RVP will end up being pick up by Manchester United.  Not only are they coming off of a great season but they can offer something Arsenal can't, results.  With such a star studded team , Van Persie would be joining a cast where his goals of winning a Champions League title is within arms reach.  This along with Wayne Rooney, Hernandez, Ashely Young and Danny Welbeck to name a few, the  Red Devils  would be the heavy favorites to win the title. Andy Carroll    Linked To  - Newcastle, Inter Milan,  Aston   Villa , West Ham, Fulham ...
Post a Comment
Read more