USA's Copa America Strategy: Results Over Style Against Panama

United States goalkeeper Matt Turner has reminded fans of the importance of results ahead of Thursday's match against Panama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The USA began their Group C campaign with a 2-0 victory over Bolivia, thanks to goals from Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun. Some felt the team should have won by a larger margin, given their 20 shots on goal compared to Bolivia's six.

Turner emphasised that wins in tournaments should not be taken for granted. "We'll never have that luxury. I think you take wins when you can get wins, no matter the context," Turner said. "You take the result, especially in tournament play, it's the end all be all. I implore people to not lose sight of that."

Panama faced a tough start, losing 3-1 to Uruguay in their opening match. Amir Murillo scored a late consolation goal after Maximiliano Araujo, Darwin Nunez, and Matias Vina had already netted for Uruguay. Head coach Thomas Christiansen acknowledged his team's mistakes but saw positive signs in the second half.

"I think we had too much respect for Uruguay; in the first half there were too many mistakes," Christiansen said. "They're a great team that you have to respect, but I think in moments we were afraid of making a mistake."

Panama - Amir Murillo

Murillo was notable in Panama's opener against Uruguay, scoring a late goal and having the most touches (62) and joint-most touches in the penalty area (four) among his teammates. Panama completed over 250 passes in a Copa America game for the first time during this match.

United States - Christian Pulisic

Pulisic was instrumental in the USA's win over Bolivia, scoring and assisting in the same Copa America match for the first time since Clint Dempsey did so twice in 2016. Pulisic averages 0.93 goal contributions per 90 minutes for his country, the highest rate in their history.

Match Prediction: United States Win

The USA could achieve back-to-back victories at a Copa America tournament for the first time if they beat Panama on Thursday. They previously managed three consecutive wins up to the quarter-finals in 2016 when they finished fourth on home soil.

The USA have never lost or conceded a goal to CONMEBOL opponents at Copa America, drawing 0-0 with Mexico before winning on penalties in 1995 and defeating Costa Rica 4-0 in 2016. They have only failed to score once against Panama on home soil, during a goalless draw in New Jersey at the 2005 Gold Cup final.

With home advantage, more success is expected for the USA on Thursday.

Back to work, prepping for Panama.pic.twitter.com/vhsLmw3pge

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 25, 2024

6 - Ricardo Pepi's 6 shots against Bolivia were the most by a #USMNT substitute since Opta began detailed data collection of all #USMNT matches in 2010. Firing.pic.twitter.com/IunVqJyjgN

— OptaJack (@OptaJack) June 24, 2024

OPTA Win Probability

The USA will need to improve if they want another win against Panama. Turner noted that while they achieved a clean sheet and two goals against Bolivia, there is room for improvement as they prepare for their next challenge.

"Obviously, we wish we did some things better," Turner added. "But that's what tournaments are about—you want to improve and get better throughout."