PICTURE TO FOLLOW

The Panama national team has had a year filled with enthusiasm, highlighted by the presence of some players such as Édgar Yoel Bárcenas, who will be one of the figures to watch at the 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Final Four. and at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.

Since 2012, Yoel Bárcenas has been part of the Panamanian team and his presence was important for the project led by coach Thomas Christiansen and that on June 15, 2023, he will appear in the semifinals of the Concacaf League of Nations where he will face the Canadian national team, for passage to the grand final which will be held on June 18.

Bárcenas admits that his years representing Panama filled him with great satisfaction. Ever since I was called up for the first time, it was a dream come true and every time I am called up I go with the same enthusiasm as the first time, admitted the 29-year-old midfielder.

The chosen ones recognized that the evolution that Panama had was important for its growth. “Now there are a lot of Legionnaires and that has raised the bar,” he said.

The Panamanians qualified in Costa Rica, against an opponent they know very well, and the key was Barcenas, who assisted José Fajardo’s winning goal.

However, the thoughts of the Panamanians are directed towards Canada, the next opponent in the semi-finals.

“Now we are thinking about Canada and what it means now in Concacaf. We know what we can give. It will be a very good and very strong opponent,” said Bárcenas, who scored twice in Panama’s four games in the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League.

Excited and eager to succeed

Bárcenas says that something Panamanian players share is the desire to stand out and achieve new achievements, which will help the national team play a good role.

“I am happy for the work that has been done. We are now one of the strongest teams in the area. They already see us differently and with respect for the good work that has been done,” said the Mazatlán de México player.

In addition, he says that there is a desire to succeed and that the good group they have formed has made a difference in this new process. “It’s a very healthy group and the coaching staff has done a great job,” he added.

Excited for the Gold Cup

Just like Bárcenas for Panama, qualifying for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup is a great reward for all they have done.

Panama’s group, Group C, includes Costa Rica and El Salvador, two Central American rivals it knows very well.

“Once again it’s our turn to face Costa Rica and they cross our path again. We also know what El Salvador means, so this cup will be very tense. It will be difficult for everyone, you have to compete and play, to be able to progression,” warned the flyer, who participated in the Gold Cup in 2017, 2019 and 2021.

The Panamanian will continue to work hard to take the call of his team and respond on the field as Christiansen asks of him every game.

Until that happens, he will continue to enjoy his life in Mexico with his wife and two children, and dream of being one of the qualifiers for the 2024 Copa América.

“The team has that ambition to go one step further, I see that as good in every way. We are also excited to qualify for the Copa América,” commented the selector who is hoping for a good performance in the next matches in Panama.

Whether it’s the League of Nations, the Gold Cup or any other tournament, there’s no doubt that Bárcenas will be a very important part of Panama.