Panama Analysis

Roman Torres scored a late goal against Costa Rica in qualifications and secured the place on the World Cup for the first time in Panama’s history.

 

CComplete lack of World Cup experience and the recent injury of Roman Torres make them the least favourite team to earn some points in group G.

  1. They look to line up in 5-4-1 formation, but could also use 4-5-1 to overload midfield area as they have had a lot of issues recently in preventing opponent’s penetrating passes to get in between the lines. From an attacking point of view they will most likely look to create chances through long ball play. Usually three players take positions in halfspace areas on both sides, with Roman Torres delivering long balls towards them if midfielders are marked. They rarely try to provide flick-ons in behind, and will most likely fight for second balls.
  2. They have had problems to maintain horizontal compactness against patient possession based approach by opponents. Main striker is closing down opponents on his own, being frequently played around without much problems and leaving midfield line exposed.

Lack of communication and synchronization of three central defenders was noticed, especially against Switzerland, in situations when opponents managed to get the ball between the lines. They couldn’t agree with each other on who and when to close down, leaving more space and time for opponents to consider their options.