Panama Vs Honduras Betting Tip: Draw – 18 July 2021

Another entertaining draw forecast in Houston

Jose Murillo / Panama ©IMAGO / Agencia EFE 11.10.2020

Panama Panama Vs Honduras Honduras

Saturday 18 July, 2021 – 02:30
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Pick: Draw
Odds: 2/1
Bookmaker: Betfair
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 15 July 2021)

Preview: BBVA Stadium, Houston, will host the first Gold Cup encounter between Panama and Honduras since their 1-1 draw in the group stage at the 2015 edition. So while three points would see Honduras progress to the next round with a game to spare, another closely fought contest is expected.

CONCACAF Gold Cup Betting at Betfair

 

Panama – How to follow up a six-goal classic?

In what was indisputably the most exciting and enthralling contest of this summer’s tournament, Panama certainly played their part in what was also the highest scoring encounter so far. The odds on there being more than five goals in their Group D opener against Qatar, the competition’s sole invited guest, was close to 20/1 on Betfair’s Sportsbook before a ball was kicked, but considerably higher in-running.

After a scoreless first period, the game exploded into life with four goals in fifteen pulsating second half minutes which included a brace for Panama striker Rolando Blackburn. The 31-year-old had twice restored parity for Los Canaleros, who still required a late Eric Davis converted penalty to salvage a potentially precious point from a 3-3 scoreline that will take some beating as a spectacle at this Gold Cup.

That is now three conceded in successive games, having succumbed 3-0 in a pre-tournament friendly to Mexico earlier in the month. Three times the amount they had allowed in seven previous fixtures in 2021, albeit the majority of them were against inferior opposition. Nevertheless, it is a problem that needs addressing as they go searching for a first win over Honduras since 2016 (D1 L2 since).

 

Draw & Both Teams to Score
4/1

Betfair

 

Honduras – Los Catrachos can wrap up qualification early?

With a couple of exits in the groups in two of the previous three Gold Cups, having featured in all but one of the sixteen held since 1991, Honduras quickly set about ensuring there was to be no repeat of recent mistakes. A 4-0 rout of Grenada, who actually gave a decent account of themselves as the lowest ranking nation competing, seeing them make an early dash for supremacy atop Group D.

That was their first win of 2021, drawing three and losing two of five prior engagements. However it continued an upward trend that had seen them produce several strong showings in the build up to this tournament, namely in keeping it close against the USA – losing 1-0 to a late goal in the semi-finals of the inaugural Nations League – and Mexico, in which they earned a goalless draw in a friendly with the latter.

None of this momentum was evidently lost first time out, dispatching a plucky Grenada with aplomb in the end. Though it was a more competitive affair than the scoreline depicted. Yet it leaves Los Catrachos well placed to reach only a second quarter-final in four entries. Particularly as their record against upcoming opponents Panama reads well, with only one loss in six prior meetings (W2 D3).

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Panama Vs Honduras Betting Advice

I made a case for Panama being underrated ahead of their opening fixture, and they duly obliged for me by securing a memorable 3-3 draw against Qatar. There was no doubt they were a touch fortunate, though, as not many sides will get away with falling behind on three separate instances. Those heroics didn’t wash, it seems, as Los Canaleros are an even bigger price ahead of their clash with Group D leaders Honduras.

 

Panama Vs Honduras – Key Facts:

  • Whereas Panama begun the Gold Cup in thrilling fashion, drawing 3-3 with Qatar, Honduras eased to an opening 4-0 victory against Grenada.
  • That was a first competitive win of 2021 for Honduras (D3 L2). Meanwhile, Panama are without a win in three (D2 L1) having been on a five-game winning streak prior.
  • Three of the past six head-to-heads between the countries ended in a draw, including the most recent at a Gold Cup in 2015. All were scoring draws (1-1, 2-2 twice).

 

Honduras are part of the Gold Cup furniture and made a terrific start, thrashing the weakest team in this group, Grenada, 4-0 first time around. This is a stiffer task though. Honduras were winless in five this year prior to facing a Grenada side ranked a lowly 160. It is also worth noting the results of the past six head-to-heads: three draws, three one-goal victories (one for Panama, two for Honduras). So this should be close.

Best Betting Odds – Panama Vs Honduras

Panama – 12/5
Draw – 2/1
Honduras – 11/10

(All odds shown taken from Betfair)