Panama is, in principle, the least favorite in one of the most competitive groups. But, before getting into the challenges, let’s agree that Panama reaches its second World Cup finals with high hopes: it qualified first in its group, kept its record unbeaten with three wins and three draws, and secured its place with a crushing 3-0 win over El Salvador.
Panama will first face England, one of the favourites, because it arrives with a golden generation whose great personalities seem to understand each other.
The challenge facing Panama was to control the intensity and speed of the English without losing tactical control.
Then their rivals will be Croatia, who, although no longer enjoying the golden generation of 2018, maintain a strict and patient football, punishing every mistake and knowing how to manage the timing of the match, something that can complicate teams with less World Cup experience.
The direct classification, with first place in its group, raised the expectations of the team that seeks to rid itself of exclusion from the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and its absence from the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
It is difficult for the Panamanians, but they have something they can do.
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