Panama hope to make history and reach the Copa America semi-finals when they clash against Colombia this weekend.
It’s been a dream campaign for Panama thus far, as not many predicted the Central America nation to beat out the USMNT in joining Uruguay as the two advancing teams from Group C. As Panama took down the Stars and Stripes in chaotic match from start to finish, who’s to say they can’t do it again?
Panama boss Thomas Christiansen will more than likely stick to his rigid 5-4-1 setup that’s got Panama this far. Don’t expect too many changes to his starting XI other than the return of Adalberto ‘Coco’ Carrasquilla, as the Houston Dynamo midfielder missed out vs Bolivia because of a red card vs the US.
Here’s how Panama could lineup vs Colombia in the Copa America quarter-finals.
GK: Orlando Mosquera – The experienced shot-stopper will have to be on his game to give Panama a chance at taking down Colombia.
RB: Michael Murillo – The former New York Red Bulls player keeps his place in the side at right-back.
CB: Edgardo Farina – Farina managed to avoid a second group-stage booking against Bolivia to keep himself available for selection vs Colombia.
CB: Jose Cordoba – The 23-year-old holds everything together in the center of defense and will have his work cut out for him against the talented Colombian attack.
CB: Carlos Harvey – Harvey helps anchor the backline alongside Cordoba.
LB: Eric Davis – One of the more underrated players in this Panama side. Christiansen will look to lean on his experience as he has 92 caps for his country.
RM: Cesar Blackman – Blackman continues his play in a more advanced role than his typical full-back position.
CM: Christian Martinez – The former Columbus Crew midfielder will look to pull the strings from the middle of the park and tack on another assist.
CM: Coco Carrasquilla – Arguably Panama’s best player slots right back into the XI and will provide some much-needed balance in the midfield.
LM: Edgar Barcenas – The versatile attacker gets the nod once again as a wide midfielder, looking to spring forward on counter attacks.
ST: Jose Fajardo – Panama’s leading goalscorer at the tournament must be efficient in front of goal as his side won’t be presented with too many chances.