Panama eliminated from Kirin Cup after penalty loss to New Zealand

Panama's national football team was eliminated from the Kirin Cup after losing to New Zealand in a penalty shootout (3-5) following a one-goal draw.

Coach Thomas Christiansen noted that while the team maintained good ball circulation, they lacked the necessary depth and speed to reach the final third of the pitch and create significant danger. He highlighted a deficiency in diagonal passing and the ability to quickly change the direction of play to exploit spaces.

Despite the loss, Christiansen emphasized that the tour served as an opportunity to evaluate young talent. He noted that players like Giovany Herbert, who scored his first goal for the senior national team, and others such as Davis Murillo and Víctor Griffith, earned their spots through merit. The technical staff continues to use these matches to expand options for the future of the squad.