USA 4-0 Panama
One World Cup campaign well and truly back on track.
This was what America so badly needed and so badly craved.
This was what Panama so badly dreaded.
The Christian Pulisic-inspired States fully backed up pre-match betting odds and lifted Bruce Arena’s side into third spot – and an automatic qualifying berth – in their group.
Football games wherein this wonder kid Pulisic run riot could become a regular sight, certainly at this level (CONCACAF).
Panama were simply shellshocked as the States opened up a three-goal lead with a first 20-minute blitz.
After Pulisic’s skilful opener, he set up Jozy Altidore for the second before his perfect Panenka penalty silenced his recent critics.
Bobby Wood’s classy fourth rounded off the scoring in a game in which others shined, such as the movement of Darlington Nagbe, dependable skipper Michael Bradley, and Paul Arriola whose speed and tenacity justified his place in the starting line-up.
Taking this confidence to Trinidad and Tobago in midweek will surely seal the USA a ticket in next summer’s showpiece.
Among the remaining questions:
What better time could it be for Clint Dempsey to score the goal to break Landon Donovan’s US scoring record?
Can Panama bounce back from this?
It took them a while to get over the heartbreaking defeat to the US four years ago which ended their dreams of competing in a maiden World Cup.
The way they were left reeling in the Orlando Stadium may equally leave them with too much psychological damage to recover from.
It’s the USA all the way and an eighth successive World Cup place is a mere 90 minutes away.
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