USA vs. Panama

The United States won a close game that went down to the death against Jamaica last week, but now they face a different animal in Panama. Prior to Friday, they were ahead of the States in the CONCACAF Hex standings, but after a home draw with Mexico, they're now holding down the fourth-place playoff spot. The U.S. is in second place with a game in hand on third-placed Mexico.

The win was important, but it was still unsettling to see the Yanks give up such a soft goal in the final minutes, a goal that nearly cost them two points. It was another missed defensive assignment, this time on a free kick, and while the goal may have been offside, that doesn't excuse someone leaving Jermaine Beckford totally unmarked in the box.

The Nats will be without the services of Jermaine Jones (concussion) and Graham Zusi (suspension) for this match. Geoff Cameron seems to be the odds-on favorite to replace Jones in the lineup, as he has extensive experience in defensive midfield. Replacing Zusi will be harder, but Herculez Gomez and Eddie Johnson are both familiar options.

The United States will look to seize first place in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers when it takes on Panama on Tuesday.

The top three teams in the standings automatically book passage to the final; the fourth place team is forced to face New Zealand in a two legged playoff for the final spot. The United States currently sits in a three-way tie for first place with Mexico and Costa Rica as the three sides all have seven points; Panama is in fourth place with six points.

The Americans will get a chance to play at home where they are undefeated thus far in the qualifiers.

"We can loosen up a little bit when we're playing at home," US forward Jozy Altidore said during an interview with FIFA.com. "We'll play with a little more freedom and look to get forward."

Every game is difficult in CONCACAF. Panama will be a very difficult game in Seattle. We'll need big support from the fans and total commitment from the players in every one of these games. I think our team is good enough and has enough quality to qualify for the World Cup but we have to be ready for the battle, ready for different circumstances and places." USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann stated about Tuesday's game.

The Panamanians are coming off a 0-0 draw against Mexico. The team has drawn in three of their five hexagonal matches; Panama is also the only team in the group without a loss thus far.  Luis Henriquez leads the team with two goals in the third round of qualifying.

Prediction: Panama will turn a lot of heads this year. Look for them to shock the Americans with a 1-0 win.