World Cup: Orlando Hosts USMNT, US Rout Panama with Historic 5-1 Score
Photo by Rafael Crisostomo / FNN News.
ORLANDO, Fl. (FNN) — Exploria Stadium played host to a packed house this weekend as the U.S. Men’s National Team put another notch in their 2022 World Cup Qualifying campaign. A record 25,022 fans filled the stands as Orlando announced itself as the unofficial home of the national team. USMNT are now five wins in five games at Exploria Stadium. Their last appearance in Orlando ended in a rout (also against Panama) back in 2017. History would repeat itself this weekend as USA commanded a dominant 5-1 victory en route to sealing their fate for Qatar’s World Cup. Their final test will be away to Costa Rica on March 30.
Masterclass in Attack
The U.S. Men’s National Team put on an attacking clinic regardless of their two set piece goals this weekend. From the beginning of the game, USMNT commanded the pace of the ball as they routinely found football between the full-backs and midfield players. Luca de la Torre excelled in this role as he maintained possession and was able to filter passes into Christian Pulisic and Paul Arriola seemingly at will.
Special plaudits were given to Antonee Robinson after a captivating performance. His potency on the defensive end as well as the offensive side of the ball cannot be understated for this team. His sumptuous cross to Paul Arriola for the second goal made sure to end Panama’s eagerness before it really began.
Jesus Ferreira would soon add insult to injury making it 3-0 before 30 minutes. However, USMNT were far from finished. Christian Pulisic secured his hat-trick in the 65′ minute with a beautiful turn and dribble within the box. After dipping past his last defender, Pulisic found the back of the net with the tip of his boot. American fans were sent into elation with a five-star performance from a team that is reaching peak-form.
Despite the consolation goal from Nashville SC’s Anibal Godoy, the result was without question for fans at Exploria Stadium who left the stadium rumbling with eccentric chants of ‘I believe that we will win’ and ‘USA, USA, USA’ long after the final whistle.
The Final Test to Qualify
Despite their best efforts, USMNT are not over the hill just yet. Their final test before the World Cup Qualifiers will come against Costa Rica. The USMNT need a win or a draw to be clean through. If both USA and Mexico win their final game of qualifiers, the United States can qualify in second place in the CONCACAF standings due to goal difference.
A loss to Costa Rica in emphatic fashion and another secured three points from Mexico could spell disaster for USMNT. But the likelihood of another Trinidad & Tobago finish from last qualifiers isn’t likely given USMNT’s current form. USA face off against Costa Rica in the National Stadium of Costa Rica on March 30.
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