Goal and Highlights: Costa Rica 0-1 Panama in CONCACAF Nations League from

Costa Rica 0-1 Panama in CONCACAF Nations League: Highlights and Analysis

Panama Defeats Costa Rica to Secure First Win in CONCACAF Nations League

Panama earned their first victory in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League on Thursday night, defeating Costa Rica 1-0 at the Estadio Nacional in San José. The result leaves Panama with three points from their opening two matches, while Costa Rica remains without a point.

First Half Dominated by Panama

Panama started the game brightly and took the lead in the 25th minute through Ismael Díaz. The striker latched onto a long ball over the top of the Costa Rican defense and rifled a shot into the bottom corner. Panama continued to create chances throughout the first half, but they were unable to add to their lead.

Costa Rica Grows Into the Game

Costa Rica improved in the second half and began to create chances of their own. However, they were unable to find a way past the Panama defense. The hosts had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 75th minute, but Bryan Ruiz's penalty was saved by Panama goalkeeper Luis Mejía.

Panama Holds On for Victory

Panama held on to their slender lead in the closing stages to secure their first win of the tournament. The victory is a major boost for Panama, who will now be confident of qualifying for the knockout stages. Costa Rica, on the other hand, will need to improve their performance in their remaining matches if they are to avoid relegation to League B.

Highlights

* Panama's Ismael Díaz scored the only goal of the game in the 25th minute. * Costa Rica had a penalty saved in the 75th minute. * Panama held on to their lead in the closing stages to secure their first win of the tournament.

Analysis

* Panama's victory was a result of their strong performance in the first half. * Costa Rica improved in the second half, but they were unable to find a way past the Panama defense. * Panama will now be confident of qualifying for the knockout stages, while Costa Rica will need to improve their performance in their remaining matches.