PROGRES.ID – The Indonesian U-17 national team is set to face the Panama U-17 national team in Group A of the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup. This emphasizes the importance of understanding the strength of the upcoming opponent.
Panama has successfully reached the final rounds of the FIFA U-17 World Cup three times. They secured their place in the final rounds with an impressive performance in the 2023 CONCACAF U-17 Championship, where Panama reached the semifinals.
During their journey, the Panama U-17 national team displayed an outstanding performance under the guidance of coach Mike Stump. They only suffered a defeat to Mexico in the semifinals with a score of 0-5, which eventually led to Mexico becoming the champions.
Panama’s best achievement in the FIFA U-17 World Cup is reaching the round of 16, which they accomplished in the 2011 edition when they made their tournament debut.
Indonesia should be cautious about the potential resurgence of the Panama U-17 national team in the Group A phase of the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
One of the key players for the Panama U-17 team is Kevin Walder, who is currently considered Panama’s top young talent. Walder has proven his quality in the CONCACAF U-17 Championship a few months ago. During the competition, Walder scored four goals and contributed to Panama U-17’s journey to the semifinals. His best attributes lie in dribbling and finishing, making him the only Panamanian player to be included in the “Team of the Tournament” for the 2023 CONCACAF U-17 Championship.
Mike Stump is the head coach of the Panama U-17 national team, and his coaching experience is beyond doubt. Born in Chicago and raised in Panama, Stump has been a coach since his early twenties. Previously, Stump has managed several top clubs in Panama. However, in 2022, he accepted the offer to coach the Panama U-17 national team.
Stump’s performance has exceeded expectations, as he guided the Panama U-17 national team to the semifinals of the CONCACAF U-17 Championship and secured a spot in the final rounds of the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be held in Indonesia.
Panama U-17 Squad List:
- Goalkeepers: Manuel Romero, Said David, Alberto Ruiz.
- Defenders: Erick Diaz, Giancarlos García, Martín Krug, Kahir Tovares, Juriel Nereida, Juan Jiménez, Joshua Pierre, Juan Hall.
- Midfielders: Oldemar Castillo, Eric Moreno, Ernesto Gómez, Jael Pierre, Anel Ryce, Edmilson González, Luis Mendoza, Aldair Marta.
- Forwards: Kevin Walder, Frederick Krug, Luis Gaitan, José Rodríguez, Héctor Rios.
Panama’s Schedule in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup:
Group A
Panama vs Morocco
- November 10, 2023
- Gelora Bung Tomo
- 16:00 WIB
Indonesia vs Panama
- November 13, 2023
- Gelora Bung Tomo
- 19:00 WIB
Ecuador vs Panama
- November 16, 2023
- Manahan
- 19:00 WIB
