Panama coach Christiansen will take time to consider future

Panama's World Cup journey concluded in disappointment, with the team exiting the tournament without scoring a single goal. Their final match saw a 2-0 defeat against England, following earlier 1-0 losses to Ghana and Croatia.

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I need time to analyse all that has happened, the six years in Panama. I have to talk to many people, especially my family who has suffered because of my absence.

Coach Thomas Christiansen announced he would take time to reflect on his future after six years managing the national team. He stated the need to analyze the "six years in Panama" and consult with his family, who he acknowledged have "suffered because of my absence."

Despite the results, Christiansen defended his team's performance, particularly their defense. "Panama has been very strong in defence," he noted, acknowledging the strength of their opponents. He highlighted their ability to limit England's central attacking opportunities in the first half. "We stood very well on the pitch in the first half and we didn't give them too many opportunities to play in the middle," he said.

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Panama has been very strong in defence ... but you have to remember which teams we were playing. Today was particularly difficult, it was tough, England pressed intensely.

Christiansen expressed pride in his team's effort under his leadership, even without tangible results. "I am proud of how the team played under my direction. Although we played well, we didn't get points, we didn't get goals," he stated. He also suggested that playing against higher-intensity teams more regularly could foster improvement. "I think if we had games like this every month, well of course we would get better with that intensity, that speed."

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We stood very well on the pitch in the first half and we didn't give them too many opportunities to play in the middle, it was more on the outside.

The coach admitted the team had hoped for better outcomes. "We had hoped to get some points but it didn't work out. We couldn't manage it for this World Cup, it was a shame, but the important thing is we recover and we are ready for what comes next," he concluded.

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I am proud of how the team played under my direction. Although we played well, we didn't get points, we didn't get goals.