Panama's Diaz Likes World Cup Group, Eyes First Victory

Panamanian striker Ismael Diaz is looking ahead to the World Cup with a confident outlook, expressing his satisfaction with the team's group draw. Facing formidable opponents like Croatia, England, and Ghana, Diaz, speaking to FIFA, believes the group is one that Panama can compete in. "Everyone says it's tough, but I like the group with Croatia, England, and Ghana," he stated, emphasizing the team's ambition to test themselves against the best on the world stage.

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Everyone says it's tough, but I like the group with Croatia, England, and Ghana.

This sentiment reflects a changed mentality within the Panamanian squad since their debut in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Diaz, who was part of that historic first appearance, recalled the experience as more about participation than competition, with the team losing all three group matches. Now, he asserts, the team's mindset has shifted, and they are driven by the desire to achieve more than just participation – they are aiming for their first World Cup victory.

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We are coming to the World Cup to compete and to play against them. So, I am satisfied with the group we are in.

The quest for that inaugural win is the "biggest desire" for the team, according to Diaz. He acknowledged that achieving it in their opening match against Ghana would be "incredible" and a "dream come true." This ambition is fueled by a team that plays with immense passion, a characteristic Diaz attributes to their humble beginnings. Many players come from modest backgrounds, having trained in less-than-ideal conditions, which instills a deep appreciation for the opportunity to compete at the elite level.

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To dream of our first victory. That is our biggest desire right now. It would be incredible if that happened in our first game. Our emotions, our happiness would know no bounds. It would be a dream come true.

Diaz's journey, from local Tauré to Porto and various clubs in Uruguay, Ecuador, and Mexico, mirrors the team's own trajectory. His 54 caps and 17 goals for Panama underscore his commitment to representing his nation. For players like Diaz, wearing the national jersey is the "biggest dream," and they consistently strive to give their all for Panama, a sentiment he believes is shared by all his teammates. This Panamanian squad is defined by its passion and a collective drive to make history, offering a unique perspective on national pride and determination in the global football arena.

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The biggest dream of every player is to wear the national team jersey, to represent their country. I always try to give my best. I always put Panama on a pedestal. I always try to bring joy to everyone, and I'm sure it's the same for all my teammates.