Panama have learned some harsh lessons in their opening two fixtures at the World Cup and should use the baptism of fire as a foundation for improvement, coach Hernan Dario Gomez said.
The central American nation are making their debut appearance in Russia and have been overwhelmed in their first matches, losing 3-0 to Belgium in Sochi last week and then 6-1 to England at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Sunday.
“I’ve had to play against two spectacular opponents. But that’s absolutely fantastic because that’s how you learn and draw conclusions and that’s how you can tell where your team is,” the Panama coach said.
“There are tremendous teams here at the World Cup, all with tremendous physical fitness, with lots of tactics and good technique, good pressing and organisation, speed on the pitch.
“I’ve really enjoyed watching the games at this World Cup and been very, very happy to be here. It’s just such a pity that we’ve been knocked out.”