Panama vs Honduras

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Follow the live coverage of Panama vs Honduras with real-time scores, key highlights, and game updates. Stay tuned for all the action from this thrilling showdown!

Of the eight teams in the Gold Cup quarter-finals, only the United States and Panama completed the group stage with perfect records.

As tournament hosts, the USMNT were expected to perform strongly at home, despite some challenges under Mauricio Pochettino prior to the event. Panama, however, likely entered with more modest expectations, even after reaching the 2023 final, where they lost to Mexico.

After failing to advance past the group stage in 2021—their first such exit since 2005—Los Canaleros have now reached the quarter-finals in back-to-back tournaments and are aiming for a sixth semi-final appearance since 2000.

Under Thomas Christiansen, Panama have been the top scorers heading into the knockout rounds, netting two more goals than the USMNT’s eight, showcasing their attacking prowess and earning them pre-match favorite status against Honduras.

Honduras, led by Reinaldo Rueda, bounced back impressively in Group B, earning six points from nine despite a crushing 6-0 loss to co-favorites Canada in Vancouver. Rather than collapsing, Los Catrachos showed resilience, defeating El Salvador 2-0 and Curacao 2-1 in their subsequent matches.

Their victory over Curacao, who had drawn 1-1 with Canada, was notable, even though a draw would have sufficed, as Canada secured a 2-0 win over El Salvador in the group’s other final match.

Heading into Saturday’s quarter-final on a two-game winning streak, Honduras are chasing a third straight victory—a feat achieved only once in 2023 with a four-game run between March and June. They also aim to reach their first Gold Cup semi-final in 12 years.

Since making the semi-finals in 2009, 2011, and 2013, Honduras have exited at the group stage or quarter-finals in the last five tournaments. They now hope to break this streak at the sixth attempt.

Their success will hinge on containing Panama’s potent attack, which averaged 3.3 goals per game in the group stage, to avoid being overrun in Glendale.

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