Panama is probably the weakest team we will meet in this group. Becaused they are the least experienced and have the least football resources of the other 4 teams.
That said they are probably still a little bit better than us based on previous performances in this rounds as well as the last rounds. (remember they did eliminate Jamaica who is a much better team than we are.
I have seen Panama Play versus the US and Mexico on Tv and this is what I think.
First
They are very weak Tactically on the defensive side of the ball.
We need to isolate the defense and engage them in one on one by spreading the play from side to side and use the wings aggressively. Their defense is slow especially the right wing back.
Play high pressure (as long as we fit enough) and force them to hit it long. underpressure they tend to give the ball away.
surging runs from the midfield is a must, Their midfielders like to pass but do not track back.
Short passing interconnect play will be more effective than long balls, But their keeper is weak on crosses so our corners and free kicks must be rehersed and ready.
Second
On the Offensive side, We need to man mark the short man, everything going through him. We need a defensive specialist to do this work. Maybe Tiger or Birchald can do it. But who ever need to be commited for the 90 min duration. Medina can poison us if given time and space.
Also their forwards will run hard whole game and put pressure force mistakes and score given opportunites.
It will be difficult for panama to break down a good defense but we tend to break we self down with poor marking etc.
In short
If we cannot Beat Panama on Saturday we cannot go to Germany.
They key for us is to stay calm
Play the game and let it come to us.
Fight Hard whole game
Spread the play out
Use Dribbing Ability to create space behind the defenders
and Finish the Chances that come up
Stay safe in the back and do not get caught on the break.
I predict a 2-0 TnT victory with Stern and Andrews scoring goals in the first 30 mins of the game.
My Line up
---------------------------------Ince------------------------------
Atiba-------------Lawrence---------Andrews-----------A John
Edwards--------Birchald ---------- Tiger --------------Rojas
----------------Stern -----------------Yorke--------------
I moved Tiger to the middle to man Marke Medina from Panama who usually play either middle or left for panama.
Rojas can play a decent left wing as he can cross the ball and his defensive abilities will help us out.
Avery John to provide some speed in the back as Lawrence is slow and Andrews knee is not 100% so he will need coverage
I guess the White boy will start as reports have him playing well I never seen him play however.
Hopefully Yorke and stern can do the business.
This is it TnT, This is it
