Mexico will look to extend its lead atop the CONCACAF World Cup 2014 standings when it takes on Panama Friday.
The Mexicans looked woeful in their first three qualifying matches. The team drew 0-0 with Jamaica at home before blowing a 2-0 lead against Honduras in a 2-2 draw. In their third match, El Tri drew 0-0 with the United States. The team finally capitalized on Tuesday when it defeated Jamaica 1-0; Aldo de Nigris scored the lone goal for El Tri.
"We are happy with the result," said Mexico coach Jose Manuel de la Torre. "It has kick-started our campaign. We knew Jamaica is a fast, counter-attacking team, so we started cautiously."
The victory gave Mexico six points, the most of any CONCACAF club competing in the third round. Javier Hernandez leads the team with three goals in the third round.
Panama sits only one point behind Mexico with five points and will look to retake first place in the group. The Panamanians blew a 2-0 lead in their opening game against Costa Rica and wound up settling for a 2-2 draw. In their second game, Los Canaleros tied 1-1 against Jamaica; the team finally pulled off a victory in its third match against Honduras. Luis Henriquez leads the team with two goals in the third round of qualifying.
"Panama is growing and we need to prove it," said Henriquez. Panama has never qualified for the World Cup in its history.
Prediction: Mexico wins 1-0.
Start Time: 10 PM EST
TV: beIN Sport En Español
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