2018 CONCACAF U-20 Championship Running Thread: All Teams, All Games

Anybody else watching Panama v Mexico? 0-0 right now, pretty even game. Obviously hoping for a Panama win.

 

Panama hits the post. Still 0-0 18th minute.

 

Mexico vs Panama are both tied for points, goals and even yellow cards. So it's an open question which will qualify to the final. Given their two tepid games against bigger countries (Jamaica and El Salvaldor) it's hard to say that Mexico is the big favorite. I'm comfortable already proclaiming that the US has won this qualifier as far as talent goes.

To me, that brings up an important question. How is it possible that a country with a mature, rich league and a huge population not manage to break in to the top tier of talent generation? It certainly does not seem to be for lack of trying but the results are undeniable. In 40 years Mexico has only developed two players capable of playing for the top 10 clubs of Europe. The next question for the US is if we can get all the little things done right that

 

GOAL PANAMA!!!!!

 

Panama has an interesting strategy. They are peppering Mexico with shots, mostly wide (as in, they miss the goal and go out for a goal-kick), mostly from outside the 18, 25-30 yards out. If they hold on (knock on wood), the USA will have to be ready for that.

 

Our U20s would destroy Mexico.

 

2 for Panama!!!! Goal off of a corner in 1st half stoppage time!!!!

 

Wow, who would have predicted this? Granted, they still have a half to come back, but still...

 

Hard to know the motivation of a team that has met its primary goal and can go home by losing. (Same goes for the US).

 

Mexico has been held to one shot by Panama but has conceded 12. That is not lack of motivation. Even tactical mistakes don't cover that. This Panama is a better team.

 

The score is deserved. Panama looks better, bigger and faster.

 

Mexico's problems shake me to the core. They are in many ways similar to us, in particular in how their league is set up. We need to understand what is happening or we may share this issue later on. The increased focus on US scouting seems to confirm that there is a problem. What is it?

 

se la perdio

 

What a STUPID handball by Panama...

 

Mexico get a pk after what seems like a silly hand ball by the Panamanian defender.

2-1 Panama 54'

Mexico has come out in the second half like they are playing downhill.

 

2-2 60'

I think Mexico is going through to the final on fair play points at the moment.

 

Yep, they are through at the moment. I have to say that I may have overreacted on the first half. In my defense, the Jamaica game was thoroughly unconvincing. They have made a few tactical adjustments to bypass the midfield and have found their offensive rhythm. That's a good sign for a team.

 

I am now fully retracting this post. Mexico is showing full superiority now. I fell for the most obvious trap in Youth soccer. Kids are inconsistent.

 

They turned it on in the second half for sure. Still a very even game. If we beat Honduras, then I'd say we should be favored vs. Mexico.

 

Panama off the post in the 90th

 

So even a card can eliminate a team just as easily as a goal.

 

Mexico will advance, but really they were only good for about 30 minutes. The rest of the time Panama basically outclassed them. First half, obviously, then for the last 15 as Mexico has been playing defensively as if they had a lead to protect (they will advance on "fair play points").

 

2-2 FT

Mexico advance to the final on fair play points (1 yellow card in the qualification round versus 2 for Panama).

 

That rule is dumb as hell. I'd rather another 30 minutes, I'm sure there would've been another goal in one of these teams at least...