Is the USMNT in trouble? Panama ready to ruin their Nations League run | OneFootball

The Concacaf Nations League is back, and there is no undisputed favorite to win the competition like the United States. With a dominant record and a squad filled with talent, the USMNT will face Panama in the semifinals with the hope of reaching a fifth final and lifting a fourth consecutive trophy. Can Los Canaleros ruin the American party? The answer lies in the details.

USMNT favoritism and the risks of underestimating Panama

In terms of numbers, the United States enjoys a overwhelming lead in head-to-head history. They've won 18, drawn 7, and lost a mere 3 against Panama. Soccer, as they say, is not played on paper, and the Americans are well aware of that more than anyone else.

Recent history would beg to differ. At the 2024 Copa América, Los Canaleros shocked the USMNT with a 2-1 group-stage victory. They also eliminated the U.S. from the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, winning in penalties. If there's one team that's learned to make life difficult on the Americans, it's Panama.

Even as favorites, the USMNT has to be on its toes from the very first whistle. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, making his debut in an official tournament with the team, has to prove that he can take this team back to the top.

Impact of roster changes and absences of key players

The U.S. has been dealt some big blows prior to the finals of the Nations League. Antonee Robinson, Johnny Cardoso, and Auston Trusty are out, making way for new entrants. Max Arfsten, Brian Gutiérrez, and Jack McGlynn have been called in to fill the gaps.

While these kids have shone in recent friendlies, a Nations League semifinal is a completely different test. The tension will be palpable, and it'll be up to the old guard in the form of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie to step up and lead by example on the pitch.

Panama's key players and attacking threats

Panama comes into this matchup on a streak after eliminating Costa Rica by a 3-2 aggregate score in the quarterfinals. José Fajardo, César Blackman, and José Luis Rodríguez scored, and coach Thomas Christiansen has built a team that excels in pressure situations.

Along with Fajardo, Cecilio Waterman is another scary name to watch out for. With three goals in 13 Nations League games, he's a real threat in the future. Panama has also been a solid team that can sit back, soak up pressure, and hurt teams on the counter.

A new era for the USMNT: has Pochettino established his identity?

Since taking over the USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino has been attempting to implement his tactical philosophy. The results have been mixed to date. In a friendly back in October, the U.S. defeated Panama 2-0, playing an organized and disciplined brand of soccer. But friendlies and knockout matches are different beasts.

Pochettino knows his team cannot afford to slip, especially in a shortened tournament such as this. The semifinal will be the first true test of his reign as U.S. coach, and loss would raise serious questions about his tenure. More than a win, fans are hoping for a compelling performance.

The USMNT enters this game with high hopes and the pressure of needing to remain the force in Concacaf. The sting of the 2024 Copa América loss to Panama is still fresh, and nobody wants to see that debacle happen again.

That being said, if Pochettino and company come into this match with focus and intensity, they have everything they need at their fingertips to advance to the final. Panama is a dangerous foe, but the U.S. has more depth, more talent, and more experience to get the job done.