Spanish of Danish origin Thomas ChristiansenPanama coach, criticized this Thursday the lack of concentration and attitude of his players in the elimination against Mexico in the semifinal of the 2024 Concacaf Nations League.
“We lacked concentration and that bothers me. I didn’t like that in the first half it seemed like we were hiding to receive the ball. It bothers me to lose. Today was not a good day. The first half we did not compete, we were not forceful and we lacked attitude,” said the coach after the 0-3 defeat.
In this Thursday’s game, Panama had more arrival and controlled part of the first half, but their forwards did not have aim. Mexico triumphed with goals from Edson Álvarez, Julián Quiñones and Orbelín Pineda.
Christiansen insisted on the way his men wasted the first 45 minutes, although he stressed that They corrected in the second half.
“In the first half we failed defensively and offensively. They were more forceful even though we had more possession and chances. We corrected in the second half. We put Mexico in their field, we had the opportunity to get closer, But we failed, then it was 3-0 and they closed the game.”he explained.
The strategist pointed out the learning that his boys must learn from facing rivals from Mexico’s hierarchy in instances like this.
“We created important chances; If we were effective in front of goal we would be talking about something else, These are things we must learn to continue growing. If we are not forceful against a team as effective as Mexico, it is difficult,” he concluded.
It is the second time, in the three editions in which the Concacaf Nations League has been held, that Panama is eliminated in the semifinal by the Mexican teamthe previous one happened last year.
The next Sunday Panama will face Jamaica in the match for third place in this competition.
Keep reading:
· Mexico beats Panama 3-0 and there will be a Concacaf classic against the United States in the Nations League
· Hirving Lozano uncovers the discomforts with Gerardo Martino
· Orbelín Pineda recognizes Mexico’s obsession with winning the Nations League
· Edson Álvarez revealed intimacies of his relationship with Gerardo Martino during the 2022 Qatar World Cup