Panama 2-1 Bolivia. Blas Perez gets a brace.
At the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, the opening match of Group D in the Copa America Centenario saw Panama in their competition debut, grab all 3 points from Bolivia.
Being group mates with the two finalists of the previous edition of the tournament,both sides were aware of the importance of a good result from this match.Chile(defending champions) and Argentina are not the sides to get points from with ease. The matches ahead are expected to be more difficult.
The were aware of the importance of the match, and their approach to the match will say so as well. All in all, it was an even match that could have gone in any direction.
Odds are against Panama, as they are yet to experience a Copa America competition. Being placed in a group with all CONMEBOL sides, it is up to Panama to carry CONCACAF in this group.
Panama starting off with a classic 4-4-2 formation and Bolivia putting more players in attack in a 3-4-3 formation.
Panama started aggressively, and it paid off. The early pressure had been relentless, and the award was an 11th minute sliding shot goal by Blas Perez.
The goal woke up Bolivia’s attack, as the got chances to equalize. The match was fairly balanced and stayed at the 1-0 scoreline till the 54th minute, when a long free kick into the Panama’s penalty box, deflected and fell in a great position for Juan Carlos Arce to volley the ball into the back of the net for Bolivia’s equalizing goal.
A set of quick passes and composure opened up the Bolivian defence to allow Panama to get the winner in the 87th minute. Again it was Blas Perez found the net for Panama. His 2 goals made him the closest player to the ‘Golden Boot’ award.
Bolivia takes on Chile and Panama takes Argentina. Both teams will not be going into their next matches as favorites, but at least Panama will be going with 3 points.
| Group D | |||||||
| Team | Played | Win | Loss | Draw | GF | GA | Points |
| Panama | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Argentina | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chile | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bolivia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
