by Genevieve Henry (9/7/23)
The Panama Women’s National Team has been on the brink of success for years, and in qualifying for the 2023 World Cup, they have gone above and beyond expectations. Nicknamed Las Canaleras, this young, talented, and beloved team will aim to give their fans hope for the future.
Above: Panama celebrate qualifying for their first-ever World Cup. Photo: Reuters.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Sasha Fabrega (C.A.Independiente), Yenith Bailey (Tauro), Farissa Córdoba (Ñañas).
Defenders: Hilary Jaen (Jones County Bobcats), Wendy Natis (America de Cali), Katherine Castillo (Tauro), Yomira Pinzon (Saprissa), Rosario Vargas (Rayo Vallecano B), Rebeca Espinosa (Sporting), Nicole De Obaldía (Herediano), Carina Baltrip-Reyes (Portugal Marítimo).
Midfielders: Deysire Salazar (Tauro), Emily Cedeno (Tauro), Schiandra Gonzalez (Tauro), Marta Cox (Pachuca), Natalia Mills (Alajuelense), Laurie Batista (Tauro), Erika Hernandez (Plaza Amador), Aldrith Quintero (Alhama), Carmen Montenegro (Sporting San Miguelito)
Forwards: Karla Riley (Sporting), Riley Tanner (Washington Spirit), Lineth Cedeno (Sporting San Miguelito).
Head Coach
Under the management of Ignacio Quintana, a Mexican, this team has climbed to heights never previously experienced. Quintana has been a blessing for this team, especially with his work to make pay and conditions more equal for the women’s team compared to the men’s team. He has led and inspired his team along a difficult qualification path. This team is one of the better teams in the South and Central American region and will look to test their capabilities against the rest of the world.
Quintana’s previous roles include a spell as head coach of Nicaragua’s women’s national side, a coaching licence instructor for CONCACAF, and youth teamwork at Reforma FC (Mexico) and Lioness FC.
World Cup History
This is the first World Cup that Panama has qualified for.
How they qualified
Panama had an arduous battle to qualify for their first-ever World Cup. In the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, they suffered defeats to Canada and Costa Rica, but a 1-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago ensured they qualified for the Interconfederation Qualifying Play-Offs in New Zealand earlier this year. Wins over Papua New Guinea (2-0) and Paraguay (1-0) sealed their qualification.
Strengths
Las Canaleras have the capacity to defend some of the world’s best attacks, only conceding one goal against Canada last summer in the CONCACAF Championship.
Development Areas
These players simply don’t have enough experience against top opposition, making them vulnerable to mistakes and fatigue. Most players have very few international appearances and play in semi-professional leagues. They will not be used to playing teams of World Cup calibre.
Key Players
Las Canaleras have some remarkable talents within their ranks.
Riley Tanner, a vivacious 23-year-old forward plies her trade at Washington Spirit in the NWSL. Tanner made an immediate impact for her national team, scoring in the qualifying games for Panama.
Carina Baltrip-Reyes. The 24-year-old defender plays for Marítimo in the Portuguese Campeonato Nacional Feminino. She has appeared over 10 times for her country, which is an impressive feat in itself for a country with inconsistent call-ups and games.
Marta Cox, a player who has been a stalwart of Las Canaleras, is another important figure for the team. The midfielder has appeared 19 times and scored nine goals for her country. Cox plays for Pachuca in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil, where she gets valuable experience and playing time that she brings back to help her national team.
One to watch
A team full of youth and promise, this team has many players who will aim to make a name for themselves and attract attention from big clubs around the world. One is Aldrith Quintero, who already plays abroad in Spain, for Alhama. The midfielder has been in the squad for years, although she is only 21. Quintero will bring her youthful energy as well as experience to Australia and New Zealand this summer.
Success would be
If Panama win a single point or even put up a good fight in the group matches, they could come home proud.
Prediction
A bottom-of-the-group finish seems inevitable for this young and inexperienced team.
Group F Fixtures
24th July – Brazil, Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide.
29th July – Jamaica, HBF Park, Perth.
2nd August – France. Sydney Football Stadium.
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