Panama, Ghana’s first-round opponents in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, had a rough evening following a devastating 6-2 loss to Brazil in an international friendly at the storied Maracanã Stadium.
Only a few weeks prior to Panama’s first Group stage match against the Black Stars on June 17 in Toronto, Canada, the team suffered a crushing defeat.
Although the Central American team will be looking to learn from the loss, the outcome revealed a number of defensive flaws that Ghana may try to target when the competition starts.
Brazil, five-time world winners, quickly established their supremacy. Vinicius Junior, a top player for Real Madrid, opened the score with a spectacular long-range shot that rendered the Panamanian defenders powerless.
Despite the early loss, Panama bounced back and equalised 12 minutes later when Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha’s deflected free kick found its way into the net.
But the parity didn’t last long. Experienced midfielder Casemiro, who rose highest to head home a precise cross from Vinicius Junior, helped Brazil regain control.
As Panama found it difficult to handle the unrelenting Brazilian assault, the floodgates quickly opened.
Goalie Orlando Mosquera made a costly mistake that gave Rayan a chance to increase Brazil’s lead, and then Lucas Paquetá scored a fourth goal with a strong long-range effort.
Igor Thiago, a forward for Brentford, scored from the penalty spot to make it five, and with ten minutes left, Danilo added a sixth goal to seal the victory. In the 83rd minute, Carlos Harvey pulled one back for Panama, but it was insufficient to change the conclusion of a one-sided match.
Ghana will play Wales in an international friendly on June 2 as they continue to prepare for the world championship.
Carlos Queiroz, the head coach of the Black Stars, will get a crucial chance to evaluate his team before the competition.
During a press conference in Wales on Monday, coach Queiroz is anticipated to reveal his final World Cup team and discuss his goals and expectations for the tournament.
The Black Stars will travel to Boston for a much-anticipated match against England after starting their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto. They will then finish their group-stage matches against Croatia in Philadelphia.
Ghana will be motivated by Panama’s problems against elite opponents as the Black Stars look to get off to a solid start in their 2026 FIFA World Cup adventure as preparations move into the final phases.
Source: newsthemegh.com