32 Days / 32 Teams — Day 26
World Cup Preview: Panama
Panama is already a winner. The first-time participants won’t be expecting to get too much in terms of results; they’re here for the experience and to learn, and that’s perfectly fine. All that coach Hernán Darío Gómez will ask from his team is that they play with the same heart and determination that got them to the tournament.
The Road So Far:
The debutants finished in the third and final direct qualification spot during CONCACAF’s final hexagonal. A thrilling final day saw the USA lose to Trinidad and Tobago, meaning that Panama could go ahead on points, but Honduras beat Mexico, obligating Los Canaleros to beat Costa Rica and maintain their goal difference. Costa Rica scored first late in the first half, bringing the local fans to worried silence. In the second half, a wild scramble off a corner saw a pile up of bodies on the Costa Ricans goal line. The linesmen signaled a goal that never was, giving Panama a lifeline, and sparking eventual talks of reviews and goal line technology. In the end, Román Torres was gifted the opportunity to play hero, beating the last man and roofing it into the top of the net with two minutes left, sending Rommel Fernandez stadium into a frenzy. Afterwards, he ran towards the fans, appropriately celebrating next to a giant cartoon version of himself. Deserved or not, Panama punched its ticket to Russia.
In the end they finished with a 3–4–3 record, being scored on 10 times and only finding the back of the net on 9 occasions. It’s not ideal, but it’s not what really matters if in the end they made it in.
Over the last decade, they’ve slowly but steadily risen through the FIFA rankings, climbing from 88th to a current 55th; that puts them ahead of South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and hosts Russia. Still Panama will have to improve dramatically to get a point, or even just manage to score.
The Road Ahead:
Panama plays its first ever World Cup game against Belgium. They will be extremely defensive and almost certainly very physical, looking to minimize damage more than anything. Barring another heroic moment a-la-Torres, this team won’t be seen much in the opponent’s box. Next they get England, which in terms of underachieving and upset-prone nations is probably the best you could ask for, but they’ll still be severely outmatched talent-wise. Their last game against Tunisia is their most promising. By then, both teams could very well already be eliminated, and at that point both teams will be playing for some pride.
For those that follow the MLS, you’ll have a little bit of an easier time recognizing some of the players on an otherwise pretty unknown list. Toronto FC fans will painfully remember Torres as the final penalty shot taker in the 2016 MLS Cup, which he won with the Seattle Sounders (it’s okay though, because TFC thoroughly avenged themselves the following year). It’s probably worth noting that he’s a center back, yet considered the nation’s star player with his powerful physique and knack of only scoring in massive occasions. A hamstring injury from May will have Panama worried, but after being named to the final squad, it’s difficult to see Torres out of the lineup come opening match. In what’s the oldest squad heading to Russia, much needed youth is supplied by New York Red Bulls teammates, Fidel Escobar and Michael Murillo.
Elsewhere, Gabriel Gómez, who plays for Atlético Bucamaranga in Colombia, is an important midfield piece, as is Alberto Quintero, playing for Peru’s Universitario. Former TFC man Armando Cooper adds some speed down the lines. Now with Universidad de Chile, the winger may be inconsistent, but shows that he has significant talent in flashes. In front of them, also-Chilean-based Gabriel Torres and journeyman Blas Pérez form the preferred striker pairing. Luis Tejada, Quintero’s teammate at Universitario, has scored 43 times for his country and should be deployed as a substitute often.
If Panama were to miraculously survive the Group Stage, they’d have Poland or Colombia awaiting them in the Round of 16.
Best Case Scenario:
Panama is very vulnerable to speed, and so even in a best-case scenario, they probably still lose to Belgium. With England, everyone is aware of the team’s inexplicably low floor; a scoreless draw gives Panama their first ever World Cup point. On the final day, they get their first win, beating Tunisia but knocked out on goal difference.
Worst Case Scenario:
Panama finishes the Group Stage with three losses and no goals. Progress is made with each match and the games become increasingly closer, but ultimately this team just doesn’t really have what it takes to compete just yet.
Final Prediction:
If Belgium and England don’t fool around, they should both shrug off Panama easily. The final game finishes in a tie, and both Panama and Tunisia get to go home with a point.
