sports

Panama out of World Cup

Panama took a 1-0 lead early in the game, but collapsed in the second half to lose to El Salvador, 3-1.

LA PRENSA

José Luís Garcés1042981

Panama was eliminated from the World Cup after suffering a second half collapse against El Salvador yesterday in San Salvador.

Panama carried a 1-0 advantage into the match on the basis of its home win on June 15, but lost yesterday 3-1.

Panama scored first in the match as José Luís “Pistolero” Garcés, who plays professionally in Bulgaria, headed home a beautiful cross from Carlos Rivera 20 minutes into the match. Rivera one-timed the cross from the left side of penalty area, floating it over a defender to Garcés, who nodded it home just inside the far post.

Panama missed a chance to go on top by two goals near the end of the first half as a shot from 20 yards out was deflected by the Salvadorean goalkeeper, and Panama was unable to tuck home the rebound in a scramble in front of the net.

El Salvador tied the score in the 25th minute off a free kick from 20 yards out. It went ahead after the referee awarded a penalty kick in the 35th minute, which was converted. Panama also had a player sent off for committing a foul in the penalty area.

With two minutes left in regulation, El Salvador scored the final goal, breaking hearts across Panama, whose team had been favored to advance.

Three teams from its group, including the United States and Mexico, will go to the finals.