USA defeats Panama 1-0 in Gold Cup final
THE HEAVILY FAVORED United States won the CONCACAF Gold Cup football by defeating Panama 1-0 in the final on Sunday July 28. at Soldiers Field in Chicago.
With a clear dominance of the ball much of the game, the U.S. team did what was necessary against a team with a determined defense and a non stop fighting spirit until the final whistle.
They have every right to be proud of themselves facing the Goliath from the north with a string of 11 wins under its belt, and a 20 goals to 4 scorecard during the tournament. Panama had twice dispatched Mexico and came through the tournament without a loss and one draw.
The winning goal was scored by Brek Shea after 68 minutes, in a move of passes that defeated the Panamanian goalkeeper Jaime Penedo.
COACH VIEWPOINT
Panama’s coach, Julio Dely Valdes said he is satisfied and happy with all the players for the work they did in the Gold Cup.
"I think we should be satisfied with what they have done, because you realize when you do things well, or not," said Dely Valdes.
"They know they have given their all on the field. I have only words of praise … I could not ask for more. It is clear that the desire of all was to win,”
It was is the second time that Panama lost to the US in the tournament. In 2005, they lost in the penalty shootout.
The Panamanian team took some special awards, the Fair Play Trophy and Jaime Penedo was voted the best goalkeeper. Gabriel Torres shared the title for most goals goals with the Americans Landon Donovan and Chris Wondolonwski. All scored five.
