{"id":42261,"date":"2022-03-31T21:27:50","date_gmt":"2022-04-01T01:27:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/?p=42261"},"modified":"2022-03-31T21:29:28","modified_gmt":"2022-04-01T01:29:28","slug":"gabriel-torres-panama-finish-strong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2022\/03\/31\/gabriel-torres-panama-finish-strong\/","title":{"rendered":"Gabriel Torres\u2019 goal allows Panama to finish World Cup Qualifying strong"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>ANALYSIS<\/strong> \u2013 Gabriel Torres was the reason why Panama finished Concacaf World Cup Qualifying strong.<\/p>\n<p>Panama was able to finish the game strong against the CanMNT. They were the better team in the first half and played well in the second half. Canada had quite a few chances in the second half but was unable to put the ball into the back of the net.<\/p>\n<h2>Gabriel Torres\u2019 goal gives Panama the win<\/h2>\n<h3>Three keys to the game<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Full Game Summary:<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Panam%C3%A1Mayor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Panam\u00e1Mayor<\/a>\u2019s Gabriel Torres scored the game-winning goal.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CanMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#CanMNT<\/a> had their chances, and also had a goal that was called off offside. <\/p>\n<p>Canada had trouble dealing with Panama\u2019s high press. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/PANvCAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#PANvCAN<\/a> | 1-0 | <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CWCQ2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#CWCQ2022<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LastWordSC\/status\/1509369697455808518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 31, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h4>Panama\u2019s high press and counter-attacks<\/h4>\n<p>Panama\u2019s high press played a big role in Canada losing the game. This was first seen in the 11 and 12-minute play, where they pressed high to give Canada trouble. This resulted in Torres getting a header in the 16-minute of play but was unable to get a shot on target.<\/p>\n<p>In the second half, Panama also utilized the high press to perfection against Canada. This resulted in a scoring chance for Rodriguez in the 63-minute. Then late in the game, Panama had the advantage in numbers but was unable to take advantage of the scoring chance.<\/p>\n<p>They were able to get the game-winning goal though in the 49-minute of play.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"ca\" dir=\"ltr\">49\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Panam%C3%A1Mayor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Panam\u00e1Mayor<\/a> scores! A terrific cross from Jos\u00e9 Luis Rodr\u00edguez leads to a perfectly executed goal by Gabriel Torres! <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/OneSoccer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#OneSoccer<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/PANvCAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#PANvCAN<\/a> | 1-0 | <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CWCQ2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#CWCQ2022<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ceq9586xUo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/ceq9586xUo<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LastWordSC\/status\/1509357530958516228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 31, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The goal came from a counterattack. Cecilio Waterman started the play with his pass to Jos\u00e9 Rodr\u00edguez. Rodriguez then delivered a terrific cross to Gabriel Torres, who put the ball into the top corner.<\/p>\n<h4>CanMNT\u2019s defence kept them in the game<\/h4>\n<p>The defence of the CanMNT had to be sharp. They played really well in the first half to prevent any shots on goal. Kamal Miller was a notable player in the first half. He made a few key defensive stops to keep the game tied.<\/p>\n<p>Alistair Johnston and others also made it difficult for Panama to get scoring chances. Johnston made a good defensive play in the 45+3-minute of play. Lastly, in the first half, Atiba Hutchinson made his presence known and blocked Joel Waterman\u2019s shot. There were also other plays made in the second half. Richie Laryea, for example, made a great defensive play in the 78-minute of play.<\/p>\n<h4>Canada had chances to tie the game in the second half<\/h4>\n<p>The second half opportunities were there for the CanMNT. One of the more notable chances involved Jonathan David in the 60-minute. His first shot was stopped by Panama goalkeeper Luis Mej\u00eda.<\/p>\n<p>He had a big chance to tie the game with the second shot, but he was unable to react quick enough and the shot was off target. Then in the 98-minute, Buchanan had a potential chance, but could not get to the ball before the goalkeeper. There was also a cross delivered by Jonathan Osorio. It was passed by three CanMNT players, who were unable to get to the ball.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">80\u2019 Cyle Larin thought he scored the game-tying goal, but the goal was later called offside. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/OneSoccer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#OneSoccer<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/PANvCAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#PANvCAN<\/a> | 1-0 | <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CWCQ2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#CWCQ2022<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/0waPiJjzsZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/0waPiJjzsZ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LastWordSC\/status\/1509362918273474566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 31, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>To be honest, it is very hard to tell. Unfortunately, after having a second look, it was slightly offside. However, it was a well-worked play that might have resulted in a goal on a different day.<\/p>\n<h3>Other factors<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">46\u2019 The second half has kicked off in <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/PanamaCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#PanamaCity<\/a>, Panama. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CanMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#CanMNT<\/a>&#39;s Jonathan Osorio comes into the game as he replaces Isma\u00ebl Kon\u00e9.<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/PANvCAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#PANvCAN<\/a> | 0-0 | <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CWCQ2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#CWCQ2022<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LastWordSC\/status\/1509352786101690368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 31, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>It felt like Canada got better when the substitutions were made. Players like Cyle Larin and Jonathan Osorio made a difference in the game in the second half, creating very good scoring chances for their team that could have resulted in a draw.<\/p>\n<p>Also, Panama played well defensively. They only allowed Canada one shot and zero shots on target in the first half. One play that comes to mind was in the first half when a Panama player intercepted a Samuel Adekugbe pass in Panama\u2019s box. Panama also made it difficult for the Canadians. They used their speed on a number of occasions to nullify Canada\u2019s speed on the flanks.<\/p>\n<p>An example was in the 36-minute when Panama\u2019s Harold Cummings stopped Lucas Cavallini. Then in the 45-minute play, Samuel Adekugbe tried to use his speed on the flanks, but Jos\u00e9 Luis Rodr\u00edguez ended that potential scoring opportunity by winning the foot race.<\/p>\n<h3>Gabriel Torres scores a game-winning goal for Panama<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Teams that qualified as the top team in the final round of <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CWCQ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#CWCQ<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p>1998: Mexico <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/HechoDeLosMexicanos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#HechoDeLosMexicanos<\/a><br \/>2002: Costa Rica <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/LaSele?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#LaSele<\/a><br \/>2006: USA <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/USMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#USMNT<\/a><br \/>2010: USA<br \/>2014: USA<br \/>2018: Mexico<br \/>2022: Canada <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CanMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#CanMNT<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/vBETl229u2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/vBETl229u2<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Raheem (@bashirra) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/bashirra\/status\/1509403420905594882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 31, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Canada becomes only the fourth team to finish first in Concacaf World Cup qualifying since 1998. This is an achievement that should not be underestimated. Yes, it is disappointing that Canada lost to Panama. However, they accomplished something only three other Concacaf nations accomplished since the late 1990s. That was to finish at the top of the table in Concacaf World Cup qualifying.<\/p>\n<p>Also, it felt like the CanMNT got better when the substitutions were made. Some players got valuable experience like Isma\u00ebl Kon\u00e9 and Maxime Cr\u00e9peau. Also, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2022\/03\/31\/john-herdman-canada-world-cup\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">John Herdman<\/a> was gracious in defeat and gave <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2022\/03\/31\/canmnt-finish-loss-panama\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Panama<\/a> credit for the win.<\/p>\n<p>The men\u2019s FIFA World Cup draw will be televised nationally on TSN on Friday at 12:00 P.M. ET. TSN will also nationally televise the <span class=\"d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m\" dir=\"auto\">draft preshow at 11:00 AM ET. <\/span>Canada will be in Pot 4 while the USMNT and Mexico are in Pot 2. If Costa Rica makes the FIFA World Cup, they will be in Pot 4 if they beat New Zealand in June. There is also the Concacaf Nations League draw set to take place on April 4.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"vCOcWOBKTvln0s6tbPLy3g\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1239632525\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'vCOcWOBKTvln0s6tbPLy3g',sig:'DOs4m2pdbCOXikdlmFCdb-bm0bbd_2cI56clJy784Uk=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1239632525',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ANALYSIS \u2013 Gabriel Torres was the reason why Panama finished Concacaf World Cup Qualifying strong. Panama was able to finish the game strong against the CanMNT. They were the better team in the first half and played well in the second half. Canada had quite a few chances in the second half but was unable [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3104,"featured_media":42277,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3406,27],"tags":[4666,4517,487,4885,4823,4888,4642,2945,240,3739],"class_list":["post-42261","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-canada-mnt","category-fifa-tournament","tag-cecilio-waterman","tag-concacaf-octagonal","tag-cyle-larin","tag-gabriel-torres","tag-ismael-kone","tag-jose-rodriguez","tag-kamal-miller","tag-maxime-crepeau","tag-panama","tag-qatar-2022"],"modified_by":"Raheem Bashir, Site Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42261","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3104"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42261"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42261\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42277"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42261"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42261"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42261"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}