Copa America: Panama vs. USMNT odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Panama vs. USMNT odds and lines, with Copa America expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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USMNT battles Panama in its 2nd game of the Copa America from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Panama vs. USMNT odds, and make our best soccer bets, picks and predictions.

The USMNT beat Bolivia 2-0 Sunday in its 1st Copa America match. F Christian Pulisic scored in the 3rd minute and the USMNT had a solid offensive attack, but it failed to score in the 2nd half. It had 14 more shots and 5 more shots on target than Bolivia while ending with 61% of the possession. The USA camp didn’t have a great few friendlies leading up to the tournament, losing 5-1 to Colombia on June 8 and drawing Brazil 1-1 on June 12. It did win the CONCACAF Nations League in March.

Panama is a far more physical side than most and has lost 3 of 5 matches  leading up to the event. It lost 3-0 to Mexico to be knocked out of the Nations League at the semifinal stage on March 21. Its lone friendly prior to the tournament was a 1-0 defeat against Paraguay. Panama lost its 1st match  3-1 to Uruguay, although it was was down 1-0 with just 10 minutes to go. it ended with 45% possession and 10 fewer shots.

USA sits 11th and Panama sits 43rd on the FIFA Men’s World Rankings.

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Panama vs. USMNT odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:16 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Panama +750 (bet $100 to win $750) | USMNT -270 (bet $270 to win $100) | Draw +370 (bet $100 to win $370)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -116 | U: -106)

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Panama vs. USMNT picks and predictions

Prediction

USMNT 2, Panama 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

There’s just no value here. The USMNT looked strong in its 1st battle and should come out on top. It is also the hosting side that adds some fuel to the fire as well. At -270 and given the physicality of Panama, backing the UMSNT makes little sense.

On the other side, taking Panama (+750) after a weaker-than-expected showing in the 1st several months of the year along with having lost 3-1 to Uruguay, which sits 14th in the rankings, isn’t worth the risk.

Avoid a moneyline play.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-106).

While Panama went Over against Uruguay, for most of the game, it played sound defense against 1 of the potent attacks in Copa America. Panama has gone Under in 3 of its last 5 games and has been held scoreless in 2 of those, most of which were against lesser-caliber defenses than the USMNT as well.

As for USA, it played a lesser-quality Bolivia and only put 2 in the back of the net. USA has gone Under in 3 of its last 4 and in 4 of its last 6. Expect a low-scoring game in this battle.

TAKE UNDER 2.5 (-106).

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