As the World Cup edges closer, we continue our run down of all 32 competing nations in Russia.
Having already analysed England, Belgium and Tunisia from Group G, it’s time to round things off with minnows Panama.
Hernan Dario Gomez’s side qualified for this summer’s tournament in stunning fashion, netting an 88th-minute winner against Costa Rica to book a place in Russia.
Panama are one of two World Cup debutants this summer but it would be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history if they can make the knockout phase.
Without any representation from one of Europe’s major leagues, Panama are expected to deploy a five-man defence in order to frustrate their opponents.
Panama have unfortunately drawn England and Belgium in their group and will have to defend for their lives to have any chance of success.
Roman Torres, who scored the winner to get Panama to the World Cup, will be key for them in that regard.
The veteran will start at the heart of Panama’s defence and captain his country into their first ever World Cup.
Torres plays his club football for the Seattle Sounders and will be joined by four other players plying their trade in MLS at the moment.
The 32-year-old has been nursing an injury in the weeks leading up to the World Cup, but has at least managed to take part in Panama’s World Cup preparation games.
However, Panama have not been so fortunate with Alberto Quintero. Panama’s star man going forward has been forced to withdraw from the squad after fracturing his foot.
Panama have called up 21-year-old Ricardo Avila, who plays for the reserve side of Belgian oufit KAA Gent. Avila will have enormous shoes to fill and is unlikely to do so.
While Panama have no experience at this level of international football, their head coach does. Gomez is one of four manager to have taken charge of three different countries at a World Cup, having previously done so with Colombia in 1998 and Ecuador in 2002.
Panama are also experienced in attack. No player in the country’s history has scored more international goals than Blas Perez (43), but he is now 37 and it will be difficult to have the same sort of impact in Russia.
However, Panama will be realistic about their chances this summer. Perhaps the outcome is not important, but the fact they are even there in the first place.
