Four years ago, the United States shattered Panama’s dreams of a maiden World Cup berth by scoring two stoppage time goals after being 2-1 down in the final qualifying game. Ahead of Russia 2018, Panama exacted sweet revenge, denying the US a place, as it beat Costa Rica in its final match while the US went down to Trinidad & Tobago. It was a massive achievement for a nation where football was not even the most popular sport until a few years ago.
However, in Russia, Panama will struggle to top this euphoria. Grouped alongside Belgium, England and Tunisia, even getting a point can be termed a success, though Hernan Dario Gomez would like to believe otherwise.
Panama’s is the oldest squad among the 32 nations and the alarming lack of speed was evident in the recent friendly losses to Iran (2-1), Denmark (1-0) and Switzerland (6-0).
What the side does possess is a truckload of experience. Six of the likely starters have more than 100 caps each, a bunch which includes the defensive colossus Roman Torres (32 yrs, 109 caps) – scorer of the 88th minute winner against Costa Rica – goalkeeper Jaime Penedo (36, 130), captain and defender Felipe Baloy (37, 101), Gabriel Gomez (34, 142) and centre-forward Blas Perez (37, 116).
It is said, albeit uncharitably, that if ever one needed to turn football into a street-fight, Panama was the team to do it. But in fairness, against favourites England and Belgium, there is little else it can do.
Panama (Group G)
Nickname: Los Canaleros (The Canal Men)
Appearances: 0
FIFA ranking: 55
Best Finish: NA
Coach: Hernan Dario Gomez
The Orchestrator: Gabriel Gomez
With 142 caps, Gabriel Gomez is Panama’s most-capped player and its chief midfield orchestrator.
From a deep-lying position the 34-year-old is the brains behind most moves and for a side which mostly hits on the break, the playmaker is key to supplying the likes of creative right-winger Alberto Quintero and forwards Gabriel Torres and Blas Perez. A tireless worker who is also excellent at winning back possession, Gomez will look to make World Cup his perfect swansong.
The Goal Threat: Gabriel Torres
Either as a lone-striker in a 5-4-1 formation or in a 4-4-2 alongside veteran Blas Perez, Gabriel Torres offers Panama the much-needed pace.
With Perez and another veteran striker in Luis Tejada in the latter stages of their playing careers, Torres has emerged as the natural replacement. True he hasn’t been prolific, scoring only 14 goals from 71 international matches. But he did account for the opener in the all-important final qualifying game against Costa Rica to send his country into the World Cup.
Did you know:
After Panama’s first-ever qualification for the World Cup, President Juan Carlos Varela declared a national holiday. “The voice of the people has been heard… Tomorrow will be a national holiday,” he pronounced.
Coach quote:
“I think it would be seen as successful if we went out and performed in a respectable way. If we lose then fine, but let us not get thrashed and let’s ensure that everyone gives their very best so as to achieve positive results.” - Hernan Dario Gomez
Fixtures:
June 18 vs Belgium
June 24 vs England
June 28 vs Tunisia
Number stat:
9 - The number of goals Panama scored in the final qualifying phase, the second least among the 32 nations in Russia. Only Egypt scored less (eight) but the African nation played four fewer games – six against Panama’s 10