United States vs. Panama - Football Match Report - March 27, 2022 - ESPN

The United States men's national team couldn't confirm its place at this winter's World Cup, after Costa Rica's win at El Salvador earlier in the day, but its 5-1 win over Panama in Orlando on Sunday night put it on the brink of qualifying for Qatar 2022.

Christian Pulisic scored his first career hat trick with the national team, and additional goals from Paul Arriola and Jesus Ferreira saw the Americans cruise to a lopsided result that eliminated Panama from contention for a place at Qatar. With 25 points and sitting in second in CONCACAF's final qualifying table, the U.S. would need to suffer a six-goal defeat at Costa Rica on Wednesday to be denied automatic qualification and sent to a playoff with the winners of Oceania.

— <a href="/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/3860182/2022-world-cup-how-qualifying-works-around-the-world?src=" https: www.espn.com target="_blank">World Cup 2022 qualifying: How it works around the world — Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only) — Don't have ESPN? Get instant access

The U.S. was awarded a penalty in the 15th minute, when Walker Zimmerman and Anibal Godoy tussled in the Panama box. After a check with VAR, it was evident that Godoy's hands struck Zimmerman's face, and after the latter tumbled to the turf, Pulisic's cross found Godoy's arm. The Chelsea talisman and captain on the night confidently converted the ensuing spot kick.

The hosts doubled their advantage six minutes later. Antonee Robinson swung in a teasing ball from the left flank, and the 5-foot-6 Arriola rose highest among a pair of Panamanian defenders to expertly direct a glancing header into the far corner.

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