Panama head coach wary of the South Korean threat

Seoul: Panama’s caretaker head coach on Monday said his team would be ready to handle the threat posed by South Korea, who come into their friendly match unbeaten in four games.

Gary Stempel was addressing a press conference ahead of the sides’ first ever meeting on Tuesday in Cheonan, south of the capital Seoul.

“We have to respect South Korea’s team,” Stempel said, although he added, “We also have our strengths. We are a developing team, a team which is starting a new process after it’s first World Cup appearance in Russia.”

“We hope to have a good game, and we know the home team is strong, but that only motivates us to work harder,” he added.

Under new boss Paulo Bento, South Korea has racked up four matches without defeat, including impressive wins against Chile and World Cup quarter-finalists Uruguay, ranked fifth in the world.

World number 70 Panama, meanwhile, were comprehensively beaten by Japan, 3-0.

Midfielder Miguel Camargo echoed his coach’s sentiments, adding that he expected an improved performance now that more players had joined since that defeat in Niigata.

“Now that everyone is here, we are ready for what will be an important game tomorrow,” Camargo said, adding: “We hope to be able to secure a good result.” IANS