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February 24 – Puerto Rico delivered one of those Gold Cup nights at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego that will live long in the memory, stunning Panama with a 2-1 win that positions them for qualification for the quarter finals at their first appearance at a major finals.
Puerto Rico’s journey in the W Gold Cup has been magnificent. From a surprise win over Haiti to qualify for the group stages from the preliminary round play-in, to holding Brazil to 0-0 for 80 minutes and only losing 1-0, to now coming from behind to overcome a much-admired Panama team who played at the 2023 World Cup and are noted for their grit and never-say-die performances.
Puerto Rico’s heroes were numerous. Their starting XI contained three players who do not have a club, two players who are at US colleges and a 16-year-old – all expertly martialled by Nat Gonzalez, himself a college coach.
Billed as a battle of the goalkeepers, neither team had scored in the group stages, though both have fought rearguard actions inspired by their two outstanding goalkeepers.
Puerto Rico, world ranked 103, had kept Brazil, world ranked 11, at 0-0 for most of their group opener with a succession of saves by Sydney Martinez.
Panama had faced a much tougher time, losing 6-0 to Colombia, but it would have been at least double that if not for Yenith Bailey who has so often kept her country in the running.
Puerto Rico have played just 68 international women’s matches and this is their first major tournament finals. They have never played Panama before.
Panama have had plenty of big tournament experience over the past two years, including the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Puerto Rico started the stronger and in the 2nd minute Marcano tumbled in the box, no foul. Panama soon began to build passages of possession but without really troubling Martinez.
Natalia Mills threatened on the right of Panama’s attack while Marta Cox was a physical presence in the middle, hitting a shot from distance…
Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/02/25/puerto-rico-continue-defy-odds-stunning-panama-added-time-winner/
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-02-25 03:03:39
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