By Kwame Bediko
Panama’s head coach Thomas Christiansen is buzzing with anticipation ahead of his team’s second-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, where they’ll tackle England, Croatia, and Ghana in Group L.
The Central American underdogs punched their ticket to the expanded tournament across the USA, Canada, and Mexico this summer. As Panama’s longest-serving boss, Christiansen sees the tough draw as a golden chance to shine on the global stage.
Laughing off the group’s firepower, Christiansen told FIFA: “I’m trying to look at it as an ‘interesting’ group. Over the last five years, we’ve managed to hold our own against the big boys, and we’re no longer outclassed by Canada, Mexico and the USA.”
He highlighted recent triumphs over the USA and near-misses against Mexico, insisting his side can now compete with elite foes like the Three Lions, Vatreni, and Black Stars.
Panama kicks off against Ghana, followed by Croatia and England, a sequence Christiansen views as motivation to evolve.
“We’ve admittedly not beaten Mexico during my tenure, but we’re capable of getting the better of all three of them. We’ve come out on top against the USA several times, and we’d like to replicate that success against Ghana, Croatia and England”; he added.
The coach urged his players to ditch modest aims: “We know they’re tricky customers, but we want to go toe to toe with them and put Panama on the map.
We’re keen for our fans to feel proud of the team. Scoring a consolation goal should no longer be a reason for Panamanians to celebrate. It’s time for us to up our game.” This bold mindset reflects Panama’s growth from World Cup newcomers in 2018 to confident contenders.
For Ghana, drawn with the CONCACAF surprise package, the matchup adds intrigue to Group L, especially after Panama’s history of upsets against North American rivals.
