Qatar Vs Panama
Qatar Vs Panama Wednesday 14 July, 2021 – 00:00
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Pick: Draw
Odds: 21/10
Bookmaker: BetVictor
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 12 July 2021)
Preview: A small piece of history will be made inside BBVA Stadium, Houston, when Qatar turn out for the first time at the Gold Cup in their Group D opener against Panama – whose record in the group stage is admirable through sheer consistency.
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Table of Contents
Qatar – 2022 World Cup hosts keen to leave their mark?
Prior to this tournament, only four out of the sixteen nations set to compete in the Gold Cup held a higher world ranking than Qatar – who are here as an invited guest. That is nothing new, though. In 2019 they became the first Middle Eastern country to feature in South America’s equivalent to this competition, the Copa America, collecting valuable experience but ultimately no wins from three group games.
The Crimsons may do more than merely make up the numbers on this occasion, however. Not only are they the current Asian Cup holders, but they approach this maiden Gold Cup campaign on the back of five wins and one draw from their past six internationals in 2021. Four said triumphs were ‘to nil’, suggesting a route to the knockouts can be forged on a rock-solid defensive foundation.
Panama – Los Canaleros can make superior experience count?
For a nation that appeared once across the first seven editions, it may seem rather odd professing Panama to be a Gold Cup veteran. Yet that is precisely what they are, with this their ninth consecutive participation. That active streak comprises eight successive group stage advancements, four semi-finals and even a couple of losing final appearances. Falling agonisingly short in 2005 and 2013.
That pedigree only counts for so much though. And it is perhaps telling that their most recent encounters with regional powerhouses Mexico and USA resulted in chastening 3-0 and 6-2 defeats, respectively. Even more incentive then to avoid finishing runner-up in Group D, which would likely lead to a date with the former in the last eight. They’ll be more heartened, however, by their positive record in 2021: W5 D2 L1.
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Qatar Vs Panama Betting Advice
In a tournament of firsts for Qatar, this opener contest in Group D pits nations with zero prior head-to-head history to work from. Panama will no doubt be keen to stamp their authority on proceedings, in a competition they are held in high regard after making it out of their group in all eight previous editions. Clinching a quarter-final berth last time by winning all but their final group fixture with the USA, which they narrowly lost 1-0.
Qatar Vs Panama – Key Facts:
- Whereas Panama are featuring in their ninth consecutive Gold Cup, Qatar are making their first appearance – as the sole invited guest.
- Both are in decent shape ahead of this Group D opener. Qatar unbeaten throughout 2021 thus far (W5 D2) while Panama have only lost to Mexico since the turn of the year (W5 D2 beforehand).
- With only four goals conceded, and nine clean sheets banked, between them so far this year, our prospects of a high scoring maiden encounter seems slim.
Although Qatar are clearly on an upward curve – a record of five wins from six matches this year complements their capture of the AFC Asian Cup in 2019 – they remain relative unknowns in this very competition. A recent appearance at the Copa America (2019) proved fleeting. They’re hardly prolific either, with only one goal scored in each of their past four matches.
Panama, well-seasoned, appear to be prematurely written off here then. Both, meanwhile, excel in the defensive third. Qatar conceding two goals in six matches in 2021, Panama five in eight (three coming in a 3-0 loss to Mexico). That implies there may not be a huge amount to separate them.
Best Betting Odds – Qatar Vs Panama
Qatar – 13/10
Draw – 21/10
Panama – 85/40
(All odds shown taken from BetVictor)
