Curaçao vs Panama: Can Dick Advocaat's team surprise the favorite?
Curacao
More than just a place in the next round is at stake: the winner will also earn a spot in the Final Four and a chance to qualify for the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The hosts come into this clash on the back of strong group-stage results, but Panama have a more experienced squad and will be eager to prove their status as favorites. Here’s what to expect from the first leg.
Curaçao
Curaçao are steadily shedding the image of a team viewed purely as a footballing curiosity. Under the guidance of experienced coach Dick Advocaat, the islanders are playing some intriguing football and are now capable of causing serious problems for more established opponents.
The team delivered a convincing performance in the Nations League group stage, picking up 10 points from four matches with three wins and one draw. Their attacking numbers are particularly impressive: 12 goals scored and five conceded. Among the standout results were a 6-1 thrashing of Nicaragua and a dramatic 4-3 win over Costa Rica, in which the team fought back after conceding three first-half goals.
However, defensive lapses like those could prove far more costly against Panama. Advocaat will surely demand greater concentration from his players, particularly in central areas and when protecting their own goal.
Curaçao have several players with experience in European football. Tahith Chong is one to watch: his individual skill and quality on the ball can make things happen in attack. Brothers Juninho and Leandro Bacuna could also play an important role, bringing experience to the midfield.
The hosts will be without Jürgen Locadia, who is missing the November international break. His absence is a blow to the attack. On the plus side, Advocaat can once again call on Deveron Fonville and Godfried Roemeratoe, who have returned to the national team.
Panama
Panama approach the quarter-final with different expectations. Thomas Christiansen's side have long established themselves among Central America's most competitive national teams and possess considerable depth in their squad.
That said, their recent results have been underwhelming. In October, Panama drew 1-1 with India, New Zealand and Ecuador. Before that, they lost 2-0 to England and 1-0 to Croatia. The Panamanians have struggled to find the net in several matches in a row, although they continue to create chances.
Still, friendlies and an international tournament quarter-final are two very different things. The stakes are much higher here, so the visitors can be expected to take a more cautious approach.
Adalberto Carrasquilla remains the key figure in midfield, with much of Panama's ball progression and attacking play depending on him. Right-back Amir Murillo is also worth watching for his overlapping runs, while the attacking line is led by Ismael Díaz and José Fajardo.
Thomas Christiansen has named a 25-player squad. Other notable names include José Córdoba, who plays for Norwich, and César Blackman of Slovan Bratislava. Overall, Panama have the depth to produce a well-balanced performance.
Head-to-head
The recent record gives Panama the edge. In the last three official meetings between these teams, the Panamanians have won twice, with the other match ending in a draw.
The teams met in the CONCACAF Nations League in October 2023, when Panama won 2-1 away from home. Earlier, in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, Panama won their home fixture by the same score, while the away match ended in a goalless draw.
- Read also: Can the cup match put Eibar back on the winning track? Prediction for the match against Pamplona on November 10
So Curaçao have yet to beat this opponent in their last three official meetings. However, the islanders' current form gives them reason to believe they can make this a much tighter contest.
What can we expect from the match?
The two-legged format is an important factor. The teams will meet twice, with the return leg set for November 15 in Panama City. That means the hosts will be keen to take an advantage into the second leg, but they should also avoid taking excessive risks from the outset.
Curaçao are likely to make the most of their home support and look to attack with intent. Advocaat has enough players capable of creating danger down the flanks and producing chances through individual skill.
Panama, meanwhile, could focus on keeping the ball, staying compact in midfield and launching quick transitions from defense to attack. The visitors have no need to commit too many players forward, with the home leg still to come.
I wouldn't write Curaçao off just yet. They have already shown they can score against strong opponents, and home advantage could be significant. Panama, though, look like the more experienced and balanced side, giving the visitors a strong chance of getting a positive result.
Expected match pattern:
Both teams could get on the scoresheet, but this is unlikely to be an overly open game. With the second leg still to come, a draw would suit Panama, while Curaçao will need to find opportunities to attack more boldly.
My prediction: both teams to score - yes.
