When and Where: The final Group B game of the CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying tournament gets underway from Carson, Calif., at 11.30 p.m. ET. A live stream will be available on ConcacafTV.com, with a free subscription.
Preview: After consecutive wins in their first two matches in the Concacaf Olympic qualifying tournament, Mexico's under 23s are safely through to the decisive semi-finals. What's more, with a three point advantage and 10 goal edge in goal-difference over second-placed Honduras, Mexico are virtually guaranteed of topping their group.
With the U.S. exiting in dramatic style yesterday, Mexico will be extremely confident of prevailing in the last-four regardless of whether it's El Salvador or Canada who stand in their way of reaching the Olympics.
And after naming an unchanged lineup for his side's opening fixtures, Mexico U23 coach Luis Fernando Tena can afford to rest many of his first-choice lineup and get a look at some of his backups.
Young striker Alan Pulido, who has shone so far--netting four goals, including a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Honduras last time out--will likely be one of those getting the evening off.
After conceding an injury time equalizer to Trinidad and Tobago last time out, Panama go into their final match with just a solitary point.
Consequently, Central Americans no longer control their own fate as they look to reach the semi-finals. Panama will be relying on Honduras dropping points against Trinidad and Tobago in the first match of the evening to give themselves a shot of progressing with a win over Mexico.
But having never qualified for the Olympics before, Panama's under-23s will be desperate to progress to the semi-finals, where they will fancy their chances against El Salvador or Canada.
Prediction: With the all-important semi-finals taking place on Saturday, Mexico will surely rest a host of players for the match with Panama. Although with those coming in having something to prove this could work either way. It likely won't be a blowout, but Mexico will want to keep that winning momentum going as they look to book their place in London this summer.
Mexico U23 2-1 Panama U23
