Debutantes Panama will be arriving at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 not just to make up the numbers. Ignacio Quintana had an excellent qualifying campaign with a chance to create more history in the finals this time. They will be the second lowest-ranked nation from CONCACAF at this stage.
Qualification for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Panama finished third in their 2022 CONCACAF W Championship behind Canada and Costa Rica to qualify for the Women’s World Cup 2023 playoffs. Played in February this year, Papua New Guinea were their opponent in the semi-finals whom they comfortably beat 2-0. Marta Cox and Riley Tanner found the net in the clash before Lineth Cedeno’s strike helped edge out Paraguay in the decisive final. After the men’s team debuted eight years ago, the women’s team will participate in their first-ever showpiece.
Preparation for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Quintana’s girls played a host of friendlies after securing qualification to the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Winning both of their friendlies against fellow CONCACAF side Dominican Republic, Panama took on World Cup participants Colombia twice. Losing the first one and then drawing 1-1 with Karla Riley getting the equalizer. It was more difficult against Spain who demolished them 7-0, a result Panama wished wouldn't shatter their confidence.
Panama squad for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Goalkeepers: Sasha Fábrega (Independent CA), Yenith Bailey (Tauro FC), Farissa Córdoba (Nanas Club)
Defenders: Hilary Jaen (Jones College), Wendy Natis (America de Cali), Katherine Castillo (Tauro FC), Yomira Pinzón (Deportivo Saprissa), Rosario Vargas (Rayo Vallecano), Rebeca Espinosa (Sporting SM), Nicole de Obaldía (CS Herediano)
Midfielders: Deysiré Salazar (Tauro FC), Emily Cedeño (Tauro FC), Schiandra González (Tauro FC), Marta Cox (Pachuca), Natalia Mills (RL Alajuelense), Carmen Montenegro (Sporting SM), Laurie Batista (Tauro FC), Erika Hernandez (CD Plaza Amador), Aldrith Quintero (Alhama CF)
Forwards: Karla Riley (Sporting FC), Riley Tanner (Washington Spirit), Lineth Cedeno (Sporting SM)
Head Coach: Ignacio Quintana
Strength
The strength for the side is their solidity with their compactness at the back helping maintain clean sheets. Their determination to perform their role is admirable. Panama’s resilient nature will be key to maintaining stability in their play. Captain Natalia Mills, defender Rebeca Espinosa and two goalkeepers, Sasha Fábrega and Farissa Córdoba, are over the age of 30 bringing experience and leadership to the squad.
Weakness
As for many debutants in this Women’s World Cup, after the tournament was increased to 32 nations, they will find it extremely hard to compete with established nations. Panama is no exception and they found it in the friendlies against the participants of the tournament. Even with the best efforts to keep the defence watertight, the opponent’s class often decimates it. Also, the squad is largely relying on the youth to deliver which is a disadvantage. Deficiency in foreign exposure for the players is a negative point for the newcomers.
Key Player: Karla Riley
The 25-year-old has been the main goal-getter in crucial games for Panama with her strikes in CONCACAF W Championship or 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup playoffs a proof of that. The Sporting FC forward is a player to be relied upon. Riley might have scored a few on the international stage but most of those have been important strikes which could build her confidence to bag Panama’s history-making goal at Women’s World Cup. On a stage like the Women’s World Cup, her difference-making capability will make her teammates believe.
How will Panama Lineup at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023?
Panama FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Groups & Fixtures
Monday, 24 July 2023
Brazil vs Panama - Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Saturday, 29 July 2023
Panama vs Jamaica - Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth
Wednesday, 2 August 2023
Panama vs France - Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Prediction
Panama has been slotted in a tough group which is expected to be in a stage like this. Las Canaleras aim is to secure a memorable victory or even a goal that will create history corresponding to what the men's team did in 2018. However, the youth-filled squad has to unearth something brilliant to achieve those targets. The gain is a World Cup experience to cherish throughout their life.
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