SAN JOSE, Costa Rica - After finishing in the top three at the last two editions of the UNACF Copa Centroamericana, including a title in 2009, the Panamanian national team will undoubtedly be somewhat disappointed in this year's fifth place performance.

This Panamanian squad -- among the fastest risers in CONCACAF over recent years -- has even more challenges for which to look forward in the near future. The Copa Centroamericana secured it a ticket to this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup, but the first date of the final round of regional qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup is quickly approaching.

"We made it to the Gold Cup, which was the objective since we were eliminated from the Copa UNCAF," said Alberto Quintero, among the goal scorers in the 3-1 victory over Guatemala on Friday that assured Panama's return to the biennial CONCACAF championship. "We feel good about that, and now it's time to start the qualifying."

The Canaleros don't have time to be satisfied with a ticket to the region's most important international tournament; they must now fix their attention on February 6. That's the day Panama hosts Costa Rica in the opening match for each in CONCACAF's Hexagonal.

"It's the first game of qualifying, and we can't let anything get away at home," said forward Blas Perez, who also scored against the Chapines. "Points at home are important, we've always said that. Now we need to play a good game and start well, and focus on that."

Panama fell from Copa Centroamericana contention after tying on two points with Honduras and El Salvador in Group B. Honduras went through on superior goal difference, while the Panamanians lost a draw with El Salvador for the other semifinal spot.

Now, the Panama looks forward to the challenge of meeting Costa Rica - which would be the defending Central American champion should it beat Honduras in Sunday's UNCAF final - at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in a little 11 days.

"We always give everything on the field," Perez said in anticipation of the showdown with a Central American neighbor. "That night can't be the exception."