Panama stun USA in shootout to finish third in Gold Cup

Or it can maintain the status quo, leaving fans, players and the U.S. Justice Department to continue questioning its fairness, objectivity and honesty.

Still recovering from a shock semi-final loss to Jamaica, the United States seeks redemption against Panama in Saturday’s Gold Cup third-place consolation match with an eye on key upcoming contests.

The Panamanian federation’s president later alleged the match was fixed, and players were seen arriving at PPL Park on Saturday wearing T-shirts that read, “Dignity isn’t bought”.

“United States played a great game, came, but did not take chances”, Herrera said.

The Panamanians feel that they deserve to be in the final and rightfully so, after Mark Geiger’s incorrect penalty decision allowed Mexico to tie the match in stoppage time. “Just as when we beat Holland and Germany, a single game doesn’t define us”.

Buenos Aires, July 24 (IANS) Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has voiced his support for Panama demanding replay of the Gold Cup semi-final where they were ousted by Mexico in controversial circumstances. The team also made the semi-finals in 1998, when the Reggae Boyz created history as the country qualified for the World Cup Finals for the first time, in France. “Back in Jamaica, there’s got to be a party going on”.

However, home captain Michael Bradley dragged his side back into the match with a goal in the 48th minute but the USA were unable to find an equalizer despite pressuring Jamaica goalkeeper Ryan Thompson for much of the second half.

“From a soccer standpoint, from a playing standpoint, it wasn’t good enough”, U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan said.

Panama, which unlike the Americans wasn’t afraid to take on defenders one-on-one, broke through when Roberto Nurse spun two defenders on their heels and easily slid in a 12-yarder in the 55th minute.

“This is going to hurt for a while for me”, said the 33-year-old Beasley, who had announced his retirement from the national team only to agree to play in the Gold Cup. “Sometimes, you just have to go out there and make sure you win the game by any means necessary”. But it dominated play against a sluggish U.S. team, with 11 shots on goal to the Americans’ two in regulation.

“We really worked for this game”, coach Hernan Gomez said, “and we faced the world out there with our heads held high”.

Mexico is the favorite to win its record-extending seventh CONCACAF Gold Cup title, and coach Miguel Herrera is answering questions about his future with the team.

Klinsmann also said DaMarcus Beasley will feature in the second-half.

Panama were made to pay for their profligacy 20 minutes from time when Klinsmann’s two substitutes combined to draw their side level – Dempsey providing the sliding finish after Yedlin had cleverly lured Meija off his line. Mexico – six-time winners of the competition – will start the final as hot favourites.

The U.S. has participated in the past five Gold Cup Finals, with its last appearance in the third-place match coming in 2003.