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Atlanta hosts USMNT against Panama in Copa América

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The first presidential debate of 2024 in Atlanta on Thursday isn’t the only major event that will congest traffic in Atlanta as the United States men’s national soccer team will also face Panama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the second game of its Copa America campaign.

This year’s event is only the second time the tournament has been held outside of South America in the last 50 years, and the United States is looking to make its mark on home soil. There’s a lot on the line for the Yankees, with a win in this game guaranteeing a spot in the round of 16.

Besides the win against Panama, it may take a win or draw in their final group stage match against formidable opponents Uruguay to advance out of the group stage.

The Benz also hosted the opening Copa América match between Argentina and Canada last week, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Argentina. In the process, the two teams criticized the grass pitch, laid five days before the match on June 20. According to Argentinian goalkeeper Emilio Martínez, “the pitch was a disaster” and it felt like we were playing on “a trampoline”. In this match, all eyes will be on the state of the pitch. Hopefully, after a week of adjustment, the pitch will meet the international football standards required for a tournament of this scale.

For the USMNT, Panama is a familiar Concacaf team, with the Yanks historically recording 17 wins, two losses and seven draws. The last time they faced the Pamanians was in the Gold Cup semi-final in July 2023, which saw Panama progress on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The United States, with its squad featuring many established European stars, is looking for revenge in this match and is favored to win, especially after its 2-0 victory over Bolivia on Sunday.

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Eloisa’s point of view

Even though Panama just lost 3-1 to Uruguay in their first Copa América match, they are sure to put up a fight against the United States. Despite the final result, Panama grew in confidence throughout the match, forcing Uruguay to fight to retain their title. a one-goal lead until they scored a third in stoppage time.

Obviously Panama will not be an easy problem to solve and will be able to hold their own against a stronger American team. Tomorrow’s match will be exciting!

Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

American players to watch

US captain Cristian Pulisic had a fantastic Copa América opener, creating an energetic force on the left wing, scoring one goal and assisting the other. After having arguably his best European season at AC Milan, Pulisic will surely bring his dangerous skills and leadership against Panama. As a striker, Folarin Balogun’s 44th-minute goal against Bolivia could be the confidence boost he needs to become a scoring powerhouse for the United States. However, his goal may not be enough to guarantee a starting place on Thursday, after Ricardo Pepi generated numerous good chances in his substitute match against Bolivia.

Former Atlanta United centre-back Miles Robinson is in the US squad for the tournament but was benched against Bolivia. He seems unlikely to touch his old ground (or rather the new turf of his old stadium) after centre-backs Tim Ream and Chris Richards kept clean sheets last Thursday.

Where to watch

Atlanta’s premier soccer bar, Brewhouse, promises a high-energy crowd for this game.

Fadó Buckhead will broadcast all matches of the European Championship and Copa América.

American Outlaws and The Atlanta 12 are teaming up to host a Tailgate Pregame at 550 Mitchell Street SW from noon to 6 p.m., featuring live music and local vendors.

Wick Wolf Sports Pub & Club, just a short walk from the stadium, will offer the ultimate football experience, with raffles, a DJ and an exciting environment.

TV:

All matches will be broadcast live on FOX Sports (FOX and FS1) and on TUDN.

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