Mexico sits on top of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, but they’ve played one more game than their serious competitors for the top three in the region’s final qualification round. One of those competitors is Panama, who can put El Tri back in serious trouble with a home win on Friday.
Panama vs. Mexico, 2014 World Cup qualifying: Preview and TV schedule
Mexico stopped the bleeding in World Cup qualifying with a win away to Jamaica. If they can avoid a loss in Panama, they’ll be on track to qualify for the World Cup.
Bob Levey
More from our team sites: Mexican futbol blog FMF State of Mind
Panama dropped two points in their first home game of the Hex in unlucky fashion, giving up two spectacular goals in a 2-2 draw to Costa Rica. They've been great since then, earning a draw in Jamaica and comfortably defeating Honduras at home. With strikers Luis Tejada and Blas Perez at home and Mexico's defense far from at their best at the moment, they'll like their chances against the reigning champions of the region.
Mexico are also likely dealing with a bit of fatigue. They played a wide-open and physical match in Jamaica on Tuesday, while Panama are rested. El Tri have the deeper side, but shouldn’t be considered strong favorites in this match.
Match date/time: Friday, 10 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez, Panama City, Panama
TV: Telemundo (U.S.), Televisa Deportes (Mexico)
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