Meanwhile, Panama is the proverbial “just glad to be at the party” team. At +45000 they are a virtual World Cup sportsbook betting impossibility across the board. A Group G draw with Belgium and England doesn’t help matters. In fact, even fellow big dog Tunisia is considered superior. But overshadowing the long odds is one simple fact. Panama has never been here before. And they aren’t about to act as if they have been. This is their first ever FIFA World Cup appearance. And they vow to savor every second of it. While also learning and building for the future.
2018 FIFA World Cup Panama
Date and Time: June 14 through July 15, 2018
Location: Russia
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG: Panama +45000 to win the World Cup, Panama +3850 to win Group G
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: Check Listings
Panama Ranks 4th
Panama is ranked fourth from the bottom of World Cup teams. Only South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Russia rank lower. Yet Los Canaleros have improved to become semi contenders at the international level. Proof comes in their reaching the final four in CONCACAF Gold Cup in three of their last four tries. They also made the final of the Copa Centro Americana in three of six attempts. With such progress comes increased expectations. A roster loaded with players from those experiences will help.
Strong Constant Players
Six Panamanian players on the roster have 100 or more appearances with the national team. Another World Cup sportsbook betting positive is their recent run against teams bound for Russia. In their last eight competitive matches against such teams Panama is 2-3-3. There is no better proof of their ability to compete at the highest level.
Tough Road Ahead for Panama
Panama will open as +2000 sportsbook online underdogs to Belgium. The Belgians are highly regarded as the calk of Group G. They will the face a revamped England team favored at +1400. That match will be difficult for two reasons. England’s depth and an unfamiliar lineup and coach. Tunisia is the highest ranked African team. And has been in exceptional form as of late. The Tunisians have failed to lose their last seven matches.
The Canalero Defense
Defense has been the ticket to Russia for Los Canaleros. They have limited opponents to one goal or less in 11 of their last 14 matches. Both Tunisia and England have scoring concerns. This could make for low scoring games. And the potential for little if any margin for error by the favorite. Anibal Godoy is a strong midfielder with a compete game approach. Captain Roman Torres is a defensive stalwart. Torres is a star in the MLS with Seattle. Godoy has made his name in the MLS with San Jose. Torres scored the goal that clinched this berth.
Hernan Dario Gomez
Head coach Hernan Dario Gomez has emphasized taking in the moment. He wants Panama to appreciate the grand achievement of simply making it to the World Cup. Gomez is a highly respected Columbian with plenty of international experience. His success at the highest levels was a major contributing factor. As coach he has formulated a highly disciplined squad.
Matchup to Watch
Consider Panama for World Cup sportsbook betting unders. Each matchup will feature a lot of defense and structure. It may not entertain but it will be intense.
World Cup Betting Odds Picks
Panama will get shut out in Group play. They have come a long way. And have a long way yet to go.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Panama to go win-less
Watch Panama celebrate its first ever World Cup berth!