Panama draws 1-1 with Bosnia in final World Cup tune-up
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Panama drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in a friendly match in St. Louis, Missouri, their final preparation before the World Cup.
- Panama conceded an early goal but equalized before halftime through Jiovany Ramos, showing improved order and composure.
- Coach Thomas Christiansen expressed satisfaction with the team's serious performance and offensive situations, looking ahead to their World Cup debut against Ghana.
Panama concluded its World Cup preparations with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a friendly match held in St. Louis, Missouri. The game served as the final tune-up for both nations before their respective World Cup debuts.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, known as Zmajevi, took an early lead with a header from defender Nikola Katic, assisted by Dedic Amar. The goal spurred Panama into action, with the team, managed by Thomas Christiansen, increasing their attacking tempo and forcing several saves from the Bosnian goalkeeper Vasilj Nicola.
Panama managed to equalize just before halftime. Defender Jiovany Ramos scored for "La Roja" after a rebound. In the second half, Panama displayed more order and confidence, controlling the game against a Bosnian side that maintained its rhythm under coach Sergej Barbarez. This draw followed Panama's recent friendly results, including an 8-2 loss to Brazil and a 4-2 win over the Dominican Republic.
Coach Christiansen described the match as "serious" and stated that the "feeling" from the game left him "a little calmer for what's coming." He highlighted the team's orderliness and its ability to create positive offensive situations. Addressing players in reserve, Christiansen noted the need to "cover our backs" until they are at "one hundred percent," specifically mentioning captain Anibal Godoy's potential contribution. Panama is grouped with Ghana, Croatia, and England in the World Cup, aiming to improve on their 2018 performance. Their first match is scheduled for June 17 against Ghana.
un buen jugador que va a sumar y va a llegar en buenas condiciones
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.