Last Updated on March 28, 2022 4:04 pm by Erwin Noguera
With a hat-trick from Pulisic and goals from Ferreira along with Arriola, the USA crushed Panama 5-1 on Matchday 13 of the final octagonal Concacaf Qualifiers and is limited by a tie or a win to ensure its direct qualification to Qatar 2022.
Gregg Berhalter’s team only has to avoid a catastrophic thrashing (losing by 6 goals) on the last day against Costa Rica in San José to celebrate the pass.
First Half
The game began with both teams looking everywhere for a way to score first; thus have the peace of mind of being ahead on the scoreboard. The United States’ attack was very aggressive; so much so that in the 17th minute Chelsea striker Pulisic scored the 1-0 through a designated penalty.
With this goal, the United States grew even more in the game and managed, 6 minutes later, to extend the lead. This time, thanks to a good goal scored by Paul Arriola, a player from Dallas FC in the MLS.
If with the 1-0 on the scoreboard the United States was unstoppable and inspired; after scoring this 2-0 it seemed that a gale of goals was coming to Panama. However, since they had the obligation to win the game, it was the same to lose 1-0 or 10-0; so they were still looking for options to score a goal, but leaving space for a team that was full of confidence like the United States.
Just 4 minutes later, in the 27th minute, Jesus Ferreira got the 3-0 for the United States; thus leaving a Panama stretched out on the canvas that already saw how its option to go to Qatar 2022 was being eliminated.
The first half of the match ended with a second penalty goal from Pulisic at minute 45+4; to go into the break with a score of 4-0 in favor of the United States.
Second Half
In the second half, the United States, already with the victory in their pockets, slowed down the pace of the game and let the Panamanian team play a little more, who likewise could not respond and, at minute 65, Pulisic scored the hat-trick to finish to seal this extraordinary victory.
When the game was about to end and the teams were already playing practically by inertia, Panama’s discount came through Anibal Godoy in the 86th minute.
This victory leaves the United States with a foot and a half in Qatar. Now they must ensure they add points in their next match; or not lose by more than 6 goals in their visit to Costa Rica.
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