Panama vs Northern Ireland
It’s now eight months since Los Canaleros qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever.
In truth, the party has barely finished and it’s about to start again.
World Cup 2018 is virtually upon us and Panamanians everywhere are going to make the most of every moment.
The visit of Northern Ireland to the Estadio Rommel Fernandez Gutierrez is just the start.
Talking Points
Since qualifying for the World Cup last October with a controversial victory over Costa Rica, Panama’s form has been poor.
Yet, a narrow win over Trinidad and Tobago in their last outing would have lifted spirits in the camp.
The country is fully behind them and that was shown last autumn when a national holiday was declared by the country’s president.
Offices and schools closed as the country celebrated a monumental moment in its history.
No wonder they could not contain their emotions.
They had not been in an automatic qualifying position until their final victory, coupled with a Trinidad and Tobago win over the USA, turned it around.
At that moment, Roman Torres—who scored the crucial goal two minutes from time—could have asked for anything from his people and would have been granted it.
Crucially, they also have a coach who has been to the World Cup before and that acumen could be invaluable for players set to experience the whole tournament structure for the first time ever.
They may be billed as “Whipping boys” in a World Cup group which comprises Belgium, England and Tunisia—they kick off Group G against Belgium on June 18—but they have a collective sense of teamwork and players who never stopped believing in their dream.
That, in anyone’s language, is laudable.
After their Euro 2016 exploits, Northern Ireland will be naturally reflecting on ‘what if’ when they play this friendly.
For Michael O’Neill’s side were within a whisker of reaching a first World Cup finals since 1982.
But a controversial penalty in a play-off tie against Switzerland last autumn ended Northern Ireland dream of a summer showpiece.
After meeting the World Cup debutants in Panama City, they face another nation preparing for the tournament, Costa Rica, in San Jose on June 3.
At least they still have O’Neill after he resisted early year overtures from the Scottish Football Association.
He has named a young squad with rising QPR star Paul Smyth, Crusaders winger Gavin Whyte—the Northern Ireland Football Writers Association player and young player of the year—and rookies Cameron McGeehan, Conor Hazard and Bailey Peacock-Farrell all included.
Smyth, of course, had an international debut to dream of in March when the Belfast-born player netted within four minutes of his introduction to see off South Korea.
Their fans even sang ‘Paul Smyth’s on fire,’ the tune they normally reserve for Will Grigg.
Whether they have a new hero or not, O’Neill believes the two matches will provide a stern test for his squad especially given both opponents will be playing in front of their own adoring fans, each wanting a big send-off on the eve of the World Cup.
History
Incredibly there isn’t any.
This is the first match between these two nations and it will be fascinating to see what the fans make of each other’s football and culture.
What are the odds?
Panama are priced as favourites, if you fancy a 1X2 bet @ 2.03, with Northern Ireland 1X2 @ 3.65 and Draw @ 3.20.
Likewise, for Asian Handicap betting, you can plump for the hosts -0.50 @ 2.04 and Northern Ireland + 0.25 @ 2.20.
Clean sheets aren’t a regular occurrence for Panama and if you fancy a goal fest, how about Total Goal 4-6 @ 5.20?
The favoured score predicted is a 1-0 win for the home side at 4.90.
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