In the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Mexico battles Panama. Kickoff from Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Mexico vs. Panama odds, and make our best soccer bets, picks and predictions.
After losing lost to the USMNT 3-0 in the Nations League semifinal, Mexico rebounded in the Gold Cup. It won Group B with 6 points and scored 7 goals and allowed just 2 in the 3 matches. It then beat Costa Rica 2-0 on July 8 and Jamaica 3-0 in the semifinal last Wednesday. Mexico is led by long-time GK Guillermo Ochoa.
Panama won Group C in the Gold Cup, going 2-0-1 and scoring 6 goals while allowing 4. Panama took down Qatar 4-0 in the quarterfinal and USA 1-1 (5-4) in penalty kicks in the semifinal Wednesday. Panama also reached the Nations League knockout stage and lost 1-0 to Mexico in the 3rd-place game after losing 2-0 to Canada in the semifinal.
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Mexico vs. Panama odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:25 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Mexico -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Panama +500 (bet $100 to win $500) | Draw +250
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +125 | U: -185)
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Mexico vs. Panama picks and predictions
Prediction
Mexico 3, Panama 1
Moneyline (ML)
PASS.
Mexico is the far superior side here and ranks 14th in the FIFA World Rankings. It also looked dominant against a competent Jamaica side that also put together one of the best CONCACAF Gold Cup rosters.
Panama, while it did down the USMNT, didn’t do it decisively. It sits 57th in the FIFA rankings. While it did beat Qatar 4-0, it had just 6 shots on target.
Mexico has more technical players along with quality experience in high-profile matches. It won’t be overshadowed by the size of this game and should come out on top. However, at (-160), it isn’t worth a play here.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET OVER 2.5 (+125).
Mexico has topped this total in 4 of its last 7 games and has scored at least 2 goals in each of the knockout stage games. Mexico has had 5 goals in its last 2 games and had 13 shots on target. It managed 3 on GK Andre Blake in the semifinal.
Panama has scored in every game during the Gold Cup, topping this total in all but 1 match. It also lost 1-0 to Mexico on June 18, so the rosters should be more familiar with the play of each other. Panama has scored 2 or more goals in all but 1 Gold Cup match as well.
Both teams have strong attacks, and with the added familiarity, more goals should be scored. Take the OVER 2.5 (+125).
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
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