CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying: Exciting Draw between Suriname and Panama

Both sides battled, and both keepers came up big to end the match with a draw

Paramaribo, SUR- The opening match to begin the Final Round of the CONCACAF 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers started at the Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo as Suriname continued their strong year from the back end of the second round of World Cup Qualifying, their strong Gold Cup performance, and now facing Panama, as both sides ended this match with a scoreless draw.

The Goalkeepers stole the show

Without a doubt, both goalkeepers had a hell of a match keeping the ball out of their nets as neither one allowed a single goal past them. Etienne Vaessen for Suriname and Orlando Mosquera for Panama stood on their heads to make big stops. Vaessen was the more acrobatic of the two, as he flung himself at every shot thrown his way. Made left and right-handed saves, jumped several times to push the ball over the crossbar.

Meanwhile, Mosquera was challenging the Suriname attackers. Coming off his line to force their hand by rushing their chances, including several crosses or passes that were a bit hurried and overshot, as he forced them to rush their big moments. That’s what a good goalkeeper does. Ruins the timing on certain passes when there is a strong goal scoring opportunity.

Strong attacking runs led to scoring chances

Both sides gave it their all, making multiple attacking runs. It felt as if Suriname was going to score that big goal and put pressure on Panama, but nothing came of it. In the 54th minute, it looked like they had a huge chance when Denzel Jubitana had an excellent chance as the trailer to get that shot, but he just hit the crossbar and over the net.

Panama also got a chance and nailed the woodwork when Adalberto Carrasquilla, down low on the near side, delivered a fabulous cross to a wide-open Ismael Diaz, who smashed it off the front of the far post and out. Diaz couldn’t believe he didn’t convert his chance to put the Canal Boys ahead in this match. The shot totals were 15-9 for Panama, and they also led with the shots on goal four to three.

Head Coaches should be proud of their players

Without a doubt, both head coaches of these teams have to be happy with the performance of their players. Stanley Menzo of Suriname and Thomas Christiansen of Panama showed why they have improved their respective nations’ National teams. The De Natio and the Canal Boys are in good hands with the direction of their Head Coaches for their National Teams, and maybe Group A isn’t so weak as some might believe.

The first match of the final round is in the books, and more to come during this International Window of September, as we watch the rest of the matches in this month on the weekend and this upcoming Monday and Tuesday.

Other FIFA World Cup Qualifying stories

• UEFA World Cup Qualifying: Spain Takes Down Bulgaria Early
• Cameroon Dominates Eswatini 3-0 to Strengthen World Cup Qualifying
• Slovakia Stuns Germany 2-0 in Historic World Cup Qualifying Upset
  

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