Jason Collins
Dailysports's expert
Mexico
Panama
On March 24, the final of the CONCACAF Nations League will take place, where Mexico and Panama will clash for the trophy. Here is my betting suggestion for this thrilling encounter.
Mexico
For the Mexicans, problems in this tournament began as early as the quarterfinals, when they lost away to Honduras 0-2. A comeback was needed, which they managed with a 4-0 home victory, scoring three goals after the 70th minute.
In the semifinals, they managed to beat the tough Canadians 2-0, with a brace from Fulham striker Raul Jimenez. Although the opponent in the final seems "sweet," they need to play as carefully as possible, as this is a battle for the trophy. Mexico has played in the finals of this tournament twice, losing both times.
Panama
For Panama, reaching the final is already a big success, having previously played twice for third place but losing each time. This season, the team managed to defeat Costa Rica in the quarterfinals – 1-0 away and 2-2 at home.
The main achievement can be considered the sensational victory over the Americans in the semifinals – 1-0, with the only goal scored in stoppage time, which was the only shot on target for the winners.
Probable lineups
- Mexico: Malagon, Vasquez, Alvarez, Vasconcelos, Rodriguez, Lira, Alvarado, Vega, Raul Jimenez, Santiago Jimenez.
- Panama: Mosquera, Gutierrez, Cordoba, Farina, Harvey, Blackman, Puma, Godoy, Alcazar, Martinez, Nelson.
Match facts
- The Mexicans have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four official matches.
- Panama is on a three-match unbeaten streak.
- Here are the odds for the upcoming battle: P1 – 1.54, X – 4.05, P2 – 7.
H2H
In head-to-head encounters, the Mexicans dominate, having not lost to the opponent in 12 years, despite frequent meetings. The last time the teams played was around the same time, in the Nations League semifinals, when Mexico won 3-0.
Prediction
In such a matchup, the Mexicans are considered clear favorites; previously, this trophy has been contested three times, with the Americans winning each time. I think the "Mayans" will take this final seriously and manage to defeat the lower-class opponent. I'll bet on Mexico's success with a -1 goal handicap.
