Panama aims to make World Cup history against Croatia, prioritizing victory over caution

Panama and Croatia are set for a pivotal World Cup clash on June 21 in Toronto, where the loser will face near-certain elimination from the tournament. Panama, still seeking their first-ever World Cup victory, is determined to make history and advance to the knockout stage.

“

We want to write history and win our first points at the World Cup, and our goal is to advance to the next round. We know it will be difficult, but the mentality of this team is always the same – play our game and impose ourselves regardless of the opponent.

The Panamanian squad features a core of experienced players, including captain Aníbal Godoy, who boasts over 150 caps at 36 years old, and midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla. Marseille right-back Michael Amir Murillo adds valuable experience from a top European league, posing a constant threat with his runs down the flank. In attack, Cecilio Waterman has shown potential to trouble defenses, though his finishing needs improvement.

Panama's goalkeeper, Luis Mejía, acknowledged the team's ambition to win but stressed the need for better defensive discipline. "There are parts of the game when, if you see you cannot win, you have to try to close the match," Mejía said. "This team has great ambition, and sometimes, due to the desire to win, it leaves too much space in defense. Those are lessons football teaches."

“

There are parts of the game when, if you see you cannot win, you have to try to close the match. This team has great ambition, and sometimes, due to the desire to win, it leaves too much space in defense. Those are lessons football teaches.

Mejía affirmed that Panama will not abandon its attacking style or play conservatively against Croatia, despite recognizing the quality of the Croatian players who represent major European clubs. He expressed confidence that Panama can deliver a strong performance, acknowledging Croatia's consistent success in reaching the World Cup semifinals in the last two tournaments. "We know the quality Croatian players have... but I am convinced that, given the way we play, we will put on a very good match," Mejía concluded.

“

We know the quality Croatian players have, who play for big clubs. But I am convinced that, given the way we play, we will put on a very good match. We know this is a team that has reached the top four in the last two World Cups for a reason. That is no small feat.