Panama select seasoned squad aiming to make their mark at second FIFA World Cup

Panama select seasoned squad aiming to make their mark at second FIFA World Cup
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Panama earned their place in only their second World Cup after a decisive win over El Salvador secured their spot in the tournament running from June 11 to July 19. This comes eight years after their first appearance in Russia.

Coach Christiansen has kept the backbone of the team that navigated Panama through CONCACAF qualifiers. Veteran midfielder Godoy is set to spearhead the squad alongside Pumas UNAM's Carrasquilla, who has been included despite picking up an injury during Sunday's Liga MX final loss to Cruz Azul.

Experienced forward Alberto Quintero has also earned a spot after missing the 2018 World Cup due to injury. However, the exclusion of Botafogo midfielder Kadir Barria stands out among the notable absentees from Christiansen's final selection.

"Our goal is to create history, to achieve something memorable and surpass our previous performance," Christiansen stated during the squad announcement at the Panama Canal Administration Building.

"It's essential to rally behind the 26 players selected for this World Cup. Wearing the national team colours is a tremendous honour."

Before heading to Canada to set up their base camp in New Tecumseth, Ontario, Panama will play warm-up fixtures against Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Their Group L journey begins against Ghana on June 17, followed by clashes with England and Croatia. Panama aim to better their 2018 debut, where they bowed out in the group stage without securing any points.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Orlando Mosquera, Luis Mejia, Cesar Samudio.

Defenders: Cesar Blackman, Jorge Gutierrez, Amir Murillo, Fidel Escobar, Andres Andrade, Edgardo Farina, Jose Cordoba, Eric Davis, Jiovany Ramos, Roderick Miller.

Midfielders: Anibal Godoy, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Carlos Harvey, Cristian Martinez, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Cesar Yanis, Yoel Barcenas, Alberto Quintero, Azarias Londono.

Forwards: Ismael Diaz, Cecilio Waterman, Jose Fajardo, Tomas Rodriguez.