The United States will face Panama in the Gold Cup final on Saturday. The Americans enter the match as the superior side. Here are reasons why they will win the game.
Landon Donovan is MVP Candidate
Has there been a better player in the tournament then Landon Donovan in this tournament? The answer would be an emphatic NO. Donovan has scored three goals in his last two games and has a total of five in the tournament. When he hasn't scored goals, he has been racking up assists with ease and poise. The Americans have improved as the tournament has worn on and Donovan has been the major source of inspiration.
Supreme Offense
19 goals in five games and nine different scorers. Of those nine goal scorers, four have scored more than one time. This may not be the US's top players, but it is clear that this group is far superior to any opposition in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Americans have looked like the Spanish pass masters at times in this tournament with a fluid rhythm and a fierce aggressive approach. They have been particularly good in the knockout rounds where they have scored eight goals in just two games against El Salvador and Honduras.
History
The Americans have met Panama 12 times in their history dating back to 1993 and have come away victorious nine times; Panama has won only one of those matchups. The US won the most recent World Cup qualifying match 2-0 in June and look to be in fine form for the final against a rival they have dominated over the years.
Perfect Record
The Americans have won all five games in the tournament; no other team, even Panama, has been able to succeed in every single game.
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