SAN DIEGO – For the first time in a decade, Panama will be in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup after winning 2-1 on penalties in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
The Americans, seven-time Gold Cup champions, have not missed a meeting in the final since the 2015 edition of the tournament.
In total, this is Panama’s third presence in the final duel, after 2005 and 2013. They either face Mexico or Jamaica, who will face each other later on Wednesday.
Only three countries have won the Gold Cup since its inception, namely the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Adalberto Carrasquilla scored the decisive goal for his country after Cristian Roldan missed his effort for the United States at the start of the sixth round.
Carrasquilla’s net, who scored in the top half of the net to the right of goalkeeper Matt Turner, gave Panama a 5-4 victory in the tournament.
Ivan Anderson scored his first goal in international competition in the ninth minute of extra time, giving the underdog a serious option to win.
Except that Jesus Ferreira responded to the Americans in the 105th minute, and fifteen minutes later, the penalty shootout was confirmed.
On Sunday, in the quarterfinals, the United States beat Canada on penalties, mainly thanks to Turner’s first two Canadian saves.
Panama will face Mexico in the final. Henry Martin, Luis Chavez and Roberto Alvarado (from the penalty spot) scored as Mexico beat Jamaica 3-0 on Wednesday night.
The final will take place on Sunday at 7:30 PM at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
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