No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomesportsSoccerPanama prepares for its toughest World Cup challenge yet

Panama prepares for its toughest World Cup challenge yet

NIZHNIY NOVGOROD, Russia –  Panama will name an unchanged line-up for the World Cup Group G clash against England on Sunday in Nizhny Novgorod, veteran coach Hernán Gómez confirmed on Saturday.

The Colombian, who previously coached his home country and Ecuador at the World Cup, said he was opting for experience in his team selection.

“The line-up will be exactly the same,” said Gómez.

He added: “We have a certain stability and an organized team.”

Ironically, England has been embroiled in a row with media about reporters revealing their starting line-up well before the game.

Potential plans to drop forward Raheem Sterling for Marcus Rashford were revealed after a photograph showing a possible line-up for Sunday was published after being photographed in the hand of assistant coach Steve Holland.

The publication of the team sheet prompted a spat between the England camp and the media.

Gómez said though it made not the slightest difference to his plans, nor “gives me any advantage.”

He praised an “organized” and “speedy” England and said they would present an even stiffer test than Belgium, the top ranked team in the group, who beat the Central Americans 3-0.

“Tomorrow is going to be a very difficult match,” he said. “It’s going to be our hardest match by far.”

He even admitted that the result could be the same or even worse, but snapped at one reporter who accused of him of being excessively negative.

“Have you heard me talk to my players, have you?” he responded after being accused of being talking down Panama’s chances.

Gomez said the Panamanians would try to defend stoutly and pick-off England in the “chaos” of the counter-attack.

“If we play in an organized way and play the way we can, we can give them a hard time.”

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Nayara Springs Named Among World’s Best Hotels by MICHELIN

Nayara Springs, a secluded adults-only resort near Arenal Volcano National Park, has claimed the highest spot in the MICHELIN Guide's new hotel rankings. The...

Costa Rica Approves Extradition of Ex-Minister Gamboa and Associates

A Costa Rican court has approved the extradition of former Security Minister Celso Gamboa Sánchez to the United States on charges of international cocaine...

Costa Rica Proposes Date for Chaves Immunity Review

Costa Rica's lawmakers took a step forward today in addressing the latest push to strip President Rodrigo Chaves of his legal protections. The Legislative...

Costa Rica’s Hyatt Centric Escazú Finalist in GRI Awards

Costa Rica's hotel scene keeps building momentum on the global stage. The Hyatt Centric San José Escazú stands out as a finalist for Best...

Costa Rica Updates National ID Card with Enhanced Security Features

Costa Rica's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) rolled out a redesigned physical identity card today. The update focuses on better protection against fraud while keeping...

Costa Rica Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Landslides

The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) issued a warning on Thursday about persistent heavy rains and thunderstorms affecting much of Costa Rica.These conditions are the...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica