Mexico v Panama, 07 July 2013

Match Report Panama shocked Mexico in front of 56822 fans at the Rose Bowl. Despite bringing an under strength squad to the tournament, Mexico had still been fully expected to win this opening game. Panama took the lead through a penalty after 7 minutes converted by Gabriel Torres. Raul Jimenez had brought down Alberto Quintero with a clumsy challenge inside the box. Panama should have increased their lead as Cecilio Waterman raced through and hit the post. Despite, failing to create much in the first half, Mexico equalised before the break through Marco Fabian. Panama regained the lead just after the break. Gabriel Torres grabbed a second as he finished a Quintero cross at the near post. Despite Mexico dominating possession for the rest of the match, Panama were able to resist. This is a big blow especially for Mexico coach Juan Carlos Valenzuela who was already under pressure prior to the tournament. Preview Mexico will go into their first match of the tournament against Panama as favourites, despite bringing an under strength squad to the tournament. José Manuel de la Torre has selected an entirely domestically based squad. For them, this provides the perfect opportunity to play themselves into contention for the World Cup campaign. Without influential goalscorer Javier Hernandez, Mexico will be looking to forwards such as Rafa Márquez Lugo and Marco Fabián. Panama will also be without some key men. They will however have second all-time leading goalscorer Blas Pérez of FC Dalas who poses a consistent threat inside the penalty area.