Preview: M. Fabian's El Tri eyeing a positive start
This Gold Cup fixture will open El Tri’s defence of their CONCACAF title. The good news for the Mexicans’ backline is that it will not need to contain Blas Perez at the Rose Bowl. The Panama striker has opted to miss this encounter for tonight’s big MLS clash between FC Dallas and LA Galaxy due to take place at the StubHub Center at 22:30 ET. Meanwhile, Mexico vs Panama kicks off at 20:00 ET.
Adding to Panama’s key absences are Godoy Cruz midfielder Armando Cooper and 32-year-old defender Felipe Baloy of Santos Laguna. El Tri’s manager, Jose Manuel de la Torre, is thus expected to live up to the challenge and snatch maximum points from his side’s Gold Cup opener.
Pressure is something the coach must deal with as pundits believe that this tournament presents a final chance to redeem his career. One of the home-grown stars who could lend a helping hand to De La Torre is attacker Marco Fabian. The London 2012 Olympics gold medallist told the press ahead of the Gold Cup:
“We understand clearly the great opportunity we have in front of us. We have to demonstrate our abilities. We have to demonstrate them to ourselves, the coaching staff and the rest of the country. It's an honor to be here.”
With the exclusion of European-based regulars, Mexico’s young squad cannot complain of lack of space to shine. The 2013 Gold Cup is an immense chance for the players involved to prove that they belong to the future of the national team.
The battle against Panama this Sunday is one they are keen on winning.
Where to watch the match live – Start time, live stream, TV channels
Watch Mexico vs Panama live:
In Canada at 20:00 ET on: Sportsnet World
In UK at 01:00 BST (July 8) on: ESPN UK / HD
In USA at 20:00 ET on: Univision, Fox Soccer 2Go, Univision Deportes, Fox Soccer Channel
If you are located outside these three countries, please visit the match page for Live Soccer TV’s full TV schedules. The live online and TV listings for this fixture includes SuperSport 3 Africa, four Al Jazeera Sports channels, GMM Football Extra and Setanta Sports Australia.
Panama’s probable line-up
Goalkeeper: Penedo
Defenders: Rodriguez, Torres, Cummings, Chen
Midfielders: Quintero, Sanchez, Godoy, Gomez
Forwards: Blackburn, Torres
Mexico’s probable line-up
Goalkeeper: Orozco
Defenders: Valenzuela, Jimenez, Lopez, Aldrete
Midfielders: Cortes, Enriquez, Fabian, Ponce
Forwards: Jimenez, Lugo
