BYDGOSZCZ, Poland – A goal on each side of halftime from France was enough to send Panama to its first defeat at the 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in a 2-0 final on Tuesday in Group E action at the Bydgoszcz Stadium in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
The Panama defense was a force to be reckoned with in the first half and managed to thwart the French attacks, until the final moments of the first half when Dan-Axel Zagadou deflected in a corner kick to give France a 1-0 lead in the 44’.
Panama looked to respond in the second half, however a giveaway in the Canaleros’ own half in the 52’ led to a France break and a one-two combination between Michael Cuisance and Moussa Diaby ended with the former sweeping in a shot for a 2-0 advantage.
Panama never threw in the towel, though, and kept the French defense on its toes, however it was unable to find the breakthrough.
The Canaleros will look to close out the group stage in strong fashion on Friday versus Saudi Arabia.
