Posted: Saturday, June 7, 2025. 9:18 pm CST.
Panama win 2-0. Photo Credit: Fepafut Panama
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Belize Men’s National Team (BMNT) fell 2-0 to Panama in their final World Cup qualifying match at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Though Panama secured the victory, Belize delivered a more competitive performance, showing greater discipline than in their previous outings in the Concacaf Gold Cup preliminary round against Costa Rica and in their first two World Cup qualifiers.
First Half Recap: Panama strike early, Belize hold strong
Panama wasted no time taking the lead, scoring in the 10th minute when Fidel Escobar connected on a close-range header into the bottom left corner. Assisted by Eduardo Guerrero off a corner kick, Escobar’s goal put Belize on the back foot.
Despite the early setback, Belize’s defense tightened, with veteran goalkeeper Woodrow West denying a dangerous Carlos Harvey header in the 15th minute. The Jaguars nearly responded moments later, with Izon Gill narrowly missing a close-range effort in the 20th minute.
The match quickly turned physical, with Belize’s Nahjib Guerra picking up a yellow card in the 22nd minute, followed by Freybin Pagoada earning another caution in the 37th minute. Panama also had two players booked, as Cristian Martínez saw yellow in the 23rd minute, and José Luis Rodríguez was cautioned in the 34th minute.
Belize held firm for the remainder of the half, creating a few late chances but failing to find the equalizer, heading into the break trailing 1-0.
Second Half: Panama’s adjustments pay off
Panama made three key substitutions at the start of the second half, introducing Janpol Morales, Jorge Gutiérrez, and Michael Amir Murillo to add fresh legs. The tactical switch yielded immediate results, as Panama doubled their lead in the 50th minute. Eduardo Guerrero struck from the center of the box, firing into the bottom right corner after being set up by Carlos Harvey.
Despite the setback, Belize pushed forward. In the 57th minute, Warren Moss replaced Izon Gill to inject attacking energy. Shortly after, Janpol Morales attempted a shot for Panama, but his effort sailed wide.
Belize suffered an injury blow in the 66th minute, forcing Eldon Reneau off the pitch. Moisés Hernández came on to replace him, alongside Jaheim Mena, who substituted for Horace Ávila.
Woodrow West continued to be a standout performer, making a key save on a Fidel Escobar header in the 69th minute. Panama made additional substitutions, including Tomás Rodríguez for Guerrero and Edward Cedeño replacing the injured Aníbal Godoy in the 73rd minute.
The game remained physical, with Panama’s José Córdoba receiving a yellow card in the 84th minute for a foul.
Belize remained determined, but Panama’s defense stood firm. In the 85th minute, Deshawon Nembhard’s left-footed strike was blocked, further frustrating Belize’s attack.
Belize had a late injury scare with Krisean López in the 89th minute, leading to Andir Chi replacing him in stoppage time.
Late in the match, Belize suffered another injury setback, as Krisean López went down in the 89th minute. Andir Chi replaced him in stoppage time, but Belize couldn’t find a breakthrough before the final whistle
Final Thoughts: A fighting effort despite defeat
Though Belize failed to secure points in their World Cup qualifying campaign, their performance against Panama reflected improvement and determination. Bartolotta’s squad showed more defensive discipline, with West making multiple crucial saves.
Belizean fans may not have seen their team prevail, but the improved showing offers hope for the future. As the BMNT look ahead, refining their attack and midfield control will be key to turning competitive performances into positive results.
Panama exited Belmopan with a well-earned victory but fell short of the dominant performance their media and fans had expected. A rout had been forecast, but it never materialized.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.