Ahead of the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2018 match against the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) scheduled on the Friday 12 October at Denka Big Swan Stadium, the Panama National Team arrived in Japan on Monday 8 October.

The players showed signs of fatigue from their long flight, but they all seemed to be looking forward for the match in Niigata.

The KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2018 match between SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) and Panama National Team will kick off at 19:35 on Friday 12 October.

Coach and Players' Comments

Gary STEMPEL, Coach (Panama National Team)
This is my first-time visiting Japan, and I am getting the impression that everything in Japan is very well organised. The Panama National Team consists players from the domestic league, but the team also features many players who plays overseas such as Europe and South America. Many of these players has also experienced the 2018 World Cup. Those players who has played in their league match this past weekend will join the team the day before of this match. We also must adjust to the jet-lag, since the time difference between Panama and Japan is pretty far apart. We recognise that many of the players from the Japan National Team plays for teams overseas. The team has also shown great improvements over the recent years. I have observed their match against Costa Rica in September, and they left a strong impression. We expect this match to be a difficult match for us, but we hope to showcase a spectacular match.

Harold CUMMINGS (San Jose Earthquakes/USA)
We made our first ever appearance in the World Cup at Russia and the entire world got to see the Panama National Team. This opportunity to face one of the strongest team in Asia shall give us a wonderful experience. We are very serious about this match and we hope to showcase a great match. I am a little worried about the time difference, but we will rest up prior to the match so that we can overcome the jet-lag. We will be representing our nation and give our very best. Although we haven’t gotten to spend much time here, I am already getting the impression that the people of Japan are very kind and polite. I feel like every country has something to learn from Japan.

Luis OVALLE (Sporting San Miguelito)
Japan is one of the best teams in Asia, so this should be a tough match for us. Our team is still work in progress, but we should be able to build up our team in the next few days. We are still feeling the effects of the time difference, but we should be able to showcase a wonderful match on Friday.

Friday, 12 October 2018 Kick Off at 19:35 (Estimated time)
Niigata／Denka Big Swan Stadium
SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) vs Panama National Team

Match Information