MIAMI, Florida – Panama were narrowly edged 3-2 by Vietnam in their second match in Group D on Thursday at the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup at the Svyturys Arena in Klaipeda, Lithuania.
In what was the first ever Futsal World Cup meeting between the two nations, Panama found themselves in a 2-0 hole after just eight minutes, but cut the deficit in half in the 10th minute thanks to a score from Abdiel Castrellon.
Castrellon would then tally his second goal of the game just before the halftime break to give the Canaleros the momentum going into the second half.
However, Vietnam would tighten up their defense and keep Panama in check for the entire second period, while a goal seven minutes after the re-start served as the winning score for the Asian side.
Panama will look to close out the group stage in strong fashion on Sunday against Brazil.
The United States will be back in action on Friday for their second match in Group F as they take on Iran at Avia Solutions Group Arena in Vilnius.
The U.S. were defeated 11-0 by Argentina in their opener, but an opportunity to bounce back will present itself in the second ever meeting between the two nations at a Futsal World Cup, the first coming in the 1992 semifinals when the U.S. emerged victorious, 4-2.
