Panama-Nicaragua was the 2017 Gold Cup in 90 minutes.
After a first half full of crap offense, crap defense took over in the second half and sparked the match to life.
Poor play on both ends typified what has been an underwhelming and CONCACAF’y Gold Cup with many of regions best players watching from home.
Ultimately, Panama pulled out a 2-1 win in what was quite literally an opening act for the USA-Martinique match.
The first half was highlighted by two goals called back for offside and this incredible miss by Panama. (The coach’s reaction is worth watching all 35 seconds.)
¿Qué te pasó Bárcenas? La mas clara de Panamá en el primer tiempo. #VamosPanama pic.twitter.com/AgreE6mB4x
— Deportes RPC (@deportesrpc) July 12, 2017
Here’s an artist’s rendering.
Photo: @ElGallinazo | Twitter
Fortunately, the game sprung to life in the second half.
In the 48th minute, the Panamanian defense had a meltdown and set up Nicaragua’s first goal thanks to a hilariously bad clearance.
Carlos Chavarria Rodriguez controlled the miscue and blasted a rocket into the top corner from 24 yards.
Nicaragua's first ever Gold Cup goal might be the best we'll see all #GoldCup2017! @ModeloUSA #ModeloSoccer https://t.co/qgtNa8YcJh
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 12, 2017
It was Nicaragua’s first ever goal in a Gold Cup, but the lead didn’t last long.
Two minutes later Ismael Diaz equalized following some quick feet from Miguel Camargo.
Nicaragua held the lead for less than 2 minutes! Here's how Panama equalized. @ModeloUSA #ModeloSoccer #GoldCup2017 https://t.co/gVGdzhoAP8
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 12, 2017
#PanamaVSNicaragua #Goldcup2017 pic.twitter.com/YaENbINXBB
— Fergus J Sharp (@FergusJSharp) July 12, 2017
The piss-poor defending retook control of the match seven minutes later.
Panama’s Roderick Miller controlled a free kick sent into the box while Nicaragua took a nap, allowing Miller to pick out Gabriel Torres for the goal.
Former unsuccessful #Rapids96 DP striker Gabriel Torres scored the goal to put #PAN up 2-1 after a set piece. #PANvNCA #GoldCup2017 #MLS pic.twitter.com/gxDpsfJdjk
— Jason Foster (@JogaBonitoUSA) July 13, 2017
Nicaragua, winless in two matches, has little chance of advancing now.
Panama temporarily moved to the top of the group ahead of the USA-Martinique match, which followed.
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