Panama, cautious and effective against Qatar

Panama faces Qatar this Saturday, a rival who is again playing as a guest in the top tournament of Concacaf teams, the Gold Cup.

Panama arrive decimated against Qatar, with Michael Amir Murillo and César Blackman missing through injury, but with coach Thomas Christiansen confident that their replacements, either Iván “Colocho” Anderson and second-inning Omar Valencia, can do the Job.

For many, history does not play a role, but the matches between Qatar and Panama are recent, they met only twice, the first was a draw at the last Gold Cup 2021 and it was 3-3, and the second was a victory for the Qataris 2- 1.

As a Panamanian, I wish La Roja all the best, there is no doubt about that, but the reality is that our team led by Thomas Christiansen has not yet defeated Qatar.

Sports, and therefore football, mark many edges, and in this case we will mention statistics and the game.

The numbers show that Panama failed to beat Qatar in two games, but on the field, in the game, it was shown a very even, even and very fighting game between both teams with a lot of options for La Roja to win.

The match between Qatar and Panama will be liked by the Mexican referee César Ramos, in a match that is in football for each team.

As I said, an even match is expected, but Qatar is an opponent that generally commits a lot of fouls, gets a lot of yellow cards, and from that point of view, Panama must take advantage of that situation, not lose their cool, they are much less intruding into Qatar’s game, which was directed by the Portuguese Carlos Queiroz,

Panama has the soccer resources to beat Qatar, but one thing is clear to me, it won’t be easy, let alone come into this game as a “favorite”.

The team led by Thomas Christiansen must be concentrated, create scoring opportunities, not be forgiving because it could take its toll.

To this we must add that Panama must close the games better, three goals in the last minute, in three games, are not good numbers.