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Five takeaways from USMNT romp over Panama

Jozy Altidore silenced his critics, Paul Arriola made a strong case to remain a starter, and Bruce Arena saw his attacking gamble pay off vs. Panama

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hernan Dario Gomez didn't make excuses, not that he really could.

The Panamanian national team coach went into Friday's World Cup qualifier believing his team was just as good as the U.S., and it led him to think his Canaleros could stand toe-to-toe, and even attack the Americans rather than playing for a draw.

Gomez was wrong, painfully wrong.

What Panama found instead was an inspired U.