Panama will receive Jamaica this Sunday with the urgent need for a victory that will allow it to continue dreaming of its second World Cup participation, against a rival that is rushing its last options for Qatar-2022.
The Panamanians face the “Reggae Boyz”, on the tenth date of the octagonal final of Concacaf, with the main objective of achieving a victory that will make them regain confidence after the bucket of cold water that the defeat against Costa Rica meant.
Canada, with 19 points, the United States with 18, Mexico with 17 and Panama with 14 units lead the Concacaf pre-world championship, which grants three direct tickets to Qatar and the possibility of a playoff for the fourth-placed team against a team from Oceania.
The duel, to be played at the Rommel Fernández stadium, in Panama City (22H05 GMT), comes amid strong criticism of Thomas Christiansen’s team for not defining against the rival goal despite dominating the game and having several clear chances against to Costa Rica on the last date.
The Panamanian Football Federation has had to make public a message of support for striker José Fajardo, one of the recipients of the fiercest criticism for his lack of scoring.
Panama, which is looking for its second World Cup after participating in Russia-2018, already feels the breath in the neck of Costa Rica, fifth in the table with 12 points.
A Panamanian stumble and a Costa Rican victory in Mexico would make the canaleros lose their fourth position in favor of the Ticos.
“On Sunday if we beat Jamaica and Costa Rica doesn’t beat Mexico we are five points behind again, but for that we have to play a better game,” said Christiansen.
– Jamaica only wants to win –
Jamaica arrives in Panama with water up to its neck. In sixth position, with 7 points in their locker, the Caribbean only need to win to work the miracle of being in the next World Cup.
A defeat would practically mean saying goodbye to their aspirations to return to a World Cup after France-1998.
Those led by Paul Hall were about to give the bell against Mexico, but ended up biting the dust in the final minutes.
Hall will be without Inter Miami defender Damion Lowe, who was sent off in the game against the Aztecs, due to suspension.
“As long as there is a mathematical possibility (to qualify) we are fine,” said the Jamaican strategist after the loss to Mexico.
“All is not lost. If you look at the game (against Mexico) what we did see were some really good things,” Hall added before flying to Central American soil.
Possible lineups:
Panama: Luis Mejía – Michael Murillo, Fidel Escobar, Andrés Andrade, Éric Davis – Aníbal Godoy, Adalberto Carrasquilla, José Luis Rodríguez, Alberto Quintero, Édgar Bárcenas – Rolando Blackburn. DT: Thomas Christiansen.
Jamaica: Andre Blake – Kemar Lawrence, Ethan Pinnock, Alvas Powell, Javain Brown – Lamar Walker, Devon Williams, Daniel Johnson – Ravel Morrison, Michail Antonio and Junior Flemmings. DT: Paul Hall.
Referee: Hector Said (Honduras)
