World Cup 2018: 3 things that Panama did right on their debut

The scoreline reflected a 3-0 defeat for Panama, but it will also be remembered as the day Panama made their debut in the World Cup.

As Edgar Carvajal, the assistant manager of Panama put it, when Panama qualified for the World Cup, 2018 that it was “like something handed down by God”. The circumstances could be attributed to divine intervention after Panama qualified for the World Cup, 2018 as other results played out in their favour, while they qualified by the skin of their teeth. As the US lost their penultimate fixture and Panama won theirs, history was made as Panama becomes the latest debutants from the CONCACAF (The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) region.

Over the years, Panama as a nation has acquired infamy for it being a tax haven. But in Russia, 2018 the name of Panama will reverberate across stadiums for the football it displays and the hearts it wins. While it is difficult to name any known faces, it was interesting to see how they lined up against Belgium, one of the tournament favourites.

Given the fact, that a majority of the favourites had their rugs pulled from beneath their feet over the course of the weekend, it was no surprise to see Belgium start the game in an apprehensive manner. And that in itself is a testament to the manner in which the underdogs have lit up this World Cup.

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#3 Underdog Panama put up a dogged defensive display

2018 FIFA World Cup Group Stage: Belgium 3 - 0 Panama

For any neutrals switching on the match on Monday evening or for new viewers of football, the match between these two teams must have been a pretty ordinary game. In fact, for some, it may have been a waste of time. But for those who know the history of the Belgium team and the fact how famous their current squad is, it must have been an exasperating game to watch.

Torres, the Panama captain playing at centre-half led from the front (ironical word-play) as he hacked and tackled the threats of the Belgium attacks.

The script though changed after the commencement of the second half as Belgium finally found the space to exploit. Having conceded early on in the second half coupled with the 5 bookings, Panama seemed to lose their venom.

And Belgium were quick to take advantage as first De Bruyne and then Hazard teed up Lukaku to triple the advantage in double quick time. Although Panama seemed to tire, they still held their shape and to be fair gave an excellent account of themselves when it comes to organization.

#2 Belgium had to dig deep

Tejada of Panama almost scores in the melee

The scoreline will reflect a comfortable outing for the team currently ranked 3rd in the World. What it will not reflect is how the 55th ranked team gave the Belgians a harrowing time. De Bruyne particularly had to dig deep and he delivered an exquisite ball which was finished with an exemplary flourish by Lukaku.

Yellow cards though were the theme and the game saw 8 of them with Panama leading the stats column. Tejada though wasn’t one of them and his introduction saw Panama create a flurry of chances. He should have scored in the 85th minute when a botched interception almost saw him through on goal only to find himself offside.

The 36-year-old striker replaced his 37-year-old team-mate, Blaz Perez and could have easily been the first Panama player to score at a World Cup but will now have to wait for his next chance as they face England next.

Thereafter, it was only a potshot by Panama that almost caught out Courtois that stood out. It was a memorable game nevertheless as De Mertens opened the scoring with a beautifully struck volley. Given that Belgium faces Tunisia next, they will look to seal their knockout stage ahead of their fixture against England.

#1 Panama almost outthink Belgium

Belgium v Panama Group G - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia:

Martinez’s insistence on using a back three almost played into Panama’s hands. The Panama team knew their limitations and with all due respect, what they lacked in skill they made it up with their passion. Their emotions came bubbling to the surface when their national anthem was played at the start and for the most part of the game they gave a good account of themselves.

Excessive fouling was one way of disrupting Belgium’s rhythm and Panama used that tactic expertly. In the process, they ended up picking almost half a dozen cards as well. And for the first half, that tactic it seemed to bear fruit. The break though rejuvenated the Belgians and once De Mertens opened the scoring with what was another contender for the goal of the tournament, it was always an uphill battle for Panama.

Hernan Darío Gómez Jaramillo, the Colombian who is also nicknamed ‘El Bolillo’ has been around the block and set up his team expertly. Belgium will be chided for their first-half performance but Jaramillo will take heart from this display as he turns his attention to the next game.

Picking up a point was on the agenda and the Colombian had proclaimed before the game that anything is possible in football and had lauded Iceland’s performance against Argentina. It was not possible against Belgium and the good day he had hoped for didn’t materialize.

Based on how some of the “favourites” of the tournament have been outsmarted, it was good that the smelling salts were summoned by the Belgian at half-time. A quicker and clinical performance will give Martinez more trust in his system as he looks to make the most of Belgium’s golden generation.