Back to 2018 World Cup Underdogs
Team: Panama
National Team History:
Panama is a small country with a short pedigree in the world of Soccer. Their national team is a member of CONCACAF and UNCAF, and participates in regional international tournaments in North and Central America. The national team’s limited international successes include two time runner-up campaigns for the Central American Gold Cup in 2005 and 2013. They have never before qualified for the World Cup, and will make their FIFA World Cup debut at Russia 2018. (1)
Key Players:
The 2018 Panama squad consists of professional footballers from around the world, with large numbers of players coming from the MLS and professional leagues in Central America. The team’s star player is Luis Tejada, who has scored 43 goals for the Panama National team. Tejada started his professional career by turning heads in local tournaments with his footwork, and soon after moving to Columbia to pursue further opportunities. His first major contract was with Al Ain of the UAE, but after 3 lackluster years he returned to Panama to rekindle his career. Since then, he has experienced success with multiple teams throughout Panama, then Columbia, and then more recently, Peru. The most famous moment of his career came when he scored the 1-1 tying goal against Mexico with an over-the-head kick, a play which would go on to be voted the #1 goal of the year by Fox Sports. (2)(3)
How they got here:
Panama qualified for the 2018 World Cup by taking third place in the American group. Their qualification rested on a victory over Costa Rica on the same night that Trinidad and Tobago had to defeat the US. With 2-1 victories for both Panama and Trinidad and Tobago, Panama punched its ticket to their first ever World Cup. Their qualification was shrouded in controversy, however, as the go-ahead goal in their 2-1 victory over Costa Rica never actually crossed the goal line. Video of the goal is found below. (4)
Managerial Staff:
Hernan Gomez is the head coach of the team. He is a former professional player from Columbia, and has an extensive managerial pedigree that includes coaching stints with Ecuador, Columbia, and now Panama. He had a successful playing career as a defensive midfielder, but has experienced more international success as a coach. He began his assistant managerial career in 1987, helping the Columbian team reach the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups. In addition to his World Cup pedigree, he also has achievements as a head coach or private teams, having lead Atletico National to a Categoria Primera A title in 1991. More recently, he lead Ecuador to their first ever World Cup Finals in 2002. (5)(6)
Fandom in Panama:
Football is hugely popular in Panama, and the team’s World Cup bid earned the country a national holiday.
Best moment from qualifiers:
Ghost goal against Costa Rica in order to qualify
Final Verdict:
This team is good and has a chance to escape the group stage, but they would have to go through powerhouses England and Belgium to do so. The pieces are all there, but they lack the star power that is usually necessary to be successful in the World Cup. They are unlikely to advance.
Fun Fact:
According to player transfer values, Panama is the cheapest team in the World Cup. (6)
Written by Lucas Carter
References
- Barrie Courtney. “Panama – International Results”. RSSSF. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
- “César Vallejo: Luis Tejada regresa al fútbol peruano” (in Spanish). Perú.com. December 19, 2013. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014.
- Luis Tejada – FIFA competition record
- “From agony to ecstasy: Panama’s remarkable journey to the 2018 World Cup and a night they’ll never forget”. The Independent. 11 October 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
- Dickens, Les (22 February 2002). “Hernán Darío Gómez “Ecuador can create a surprise, for better or for worse””. FIFA.com. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012.
- https://www.betshoot.com/blog/world-cup-2018-preview/
Back to 2018 World Cup Underdogs
