Panama Correspondent: Croatians have surely analyzed us against Ghana, but we must not give up our game

The Panamanian national football team has set its sights on redemption after suffering a shocking 0-1 defeat against Ghana in their opening match of the World Cup. The team will travel to Toronto later this week to continue preparations for their upcoming Group L clash against Croatia, which they hope will mark a turning point in their tournament journey. Despite the early setback, optimism remains high within the squad, as players believe they still have the chance to make history by securing a place in the knockout stages.

Following the loss to Ghana, the Panamanian players have fully shifted their focus toward the match against Croatia. According to reports from the team, there is a strong sense of belief among the players that they can still achieve a historic qualification despite the initial disappointment. This sentiment was echoed by experienced midfielder Alberto "Negrito" Quintero, who emphasized the need to move past the emotional weight of the first game. He acknowledged the pain of conceding a goal in the 95th minute but stressed that football is a sport where one must keep going forward.

In his comments to the media, Quintero highlighted the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the entire 90 minutes of the match against Croatia. He noted that while the Croatian team would certainly have analyzed Panama's performance against Ghana, the Panamanians should not abandon their playing style, which has brought them to this stage of the competition. His words reflect both the determination and confidence of the team, which believes it has made significant progress since previous international tournaments.

This World Cup marks Quintero’s final major international tournament before he retires from representing Panama. With 141 caps for his country, he has been a consistent presence in the national team over the years. Quintero expressed pride in being part of Panama's football history and contributing to the nation's qualifications for past World Cups. He also thanked the fans for their support and encouraged them to take pride in the team's effort against Ghana, even though the result did not meet expectations.

The Panamanian team will depart for Toronto via road transport, arriving in time for training sessions at the Centennial Park training center. These sessions are closed to the public and media, indicating the team's desire to prepare without external distractions. Their match against Croatia is scheduled for Wednesday night local time, with both teams seeking their first points in the group stage. Croatia suffered a narrow 2-4 defeat against England in their opening game, meaning both sides enter this encounter needing crucial victories to improve their standings.

The Panamanian squad's journey to the World Cup includes participation in the 2018 tournament, where they were placed in a challenging group alongside England, Belgium, and Tunisia. That experience likely contributed to the current level of preparedness and resilience seen in the team today. As they head into the match against Croatia, the players remain focused on delivering a performance that reflects their growth and commitment to the sport.

The upcoming match between Panama and Croatia represents more than just a battle for points—it symbolizes a pivotal moment for both teams. For Panama, it is an opportunity to bounce back from their opening loss and prove that they can compete at the highest level. For Croatia, it is a chance to secure their first victory and establish themselves as serious contenders in Group L. Both teams understand the significance of this encounter and are determined to come away with positive results.