Panama defender Felipe Baloy has one more goal before his international career ends this year at age 37.
After scoring his country's first goal at its first World Cup , Baloy now would like to experience Panama's first victory on international soccer's greatest stage. Standing in the way are Tunisia, who will be seeking their first World Cup victory since 1978 when the sides meet to close out Group G play on Thursday night.
"We knew the first two were difficult,” Baloy said before training Tuesday. “The last match against England, we couldn't achieve a victory, but we achieved our first goal.
"That's not to say we're going to beat Tunisia, but we hope to have a victory to give as a gift to our people in Panama so they can celebrate and be proud of us."
COMPARIsons
Tunisia have looked more competitive than Panama so far.
England needed a late goal to defeat Tunisia 2-1 . Despite falling behind by multiple goals early against Belgium, Tunisia rallied for a pair of goals in a 5-2 loss . Their three scorers so far have been midfielder Ferjani Sassi, defender Dylan Bronn and Renne striker Wahbi Khazri.
Panama was routed 3-0 by Belgium in their tournament opener before falling 6-1 to England .
lINEUP CONSIDERATIONS
The suspension of Panama defender Michael Murillo because of yellow cards in each of Panama's first two games further opened the possibility that 33-year-old Adolfo Machado could make his World Cup debut. Meanwhile, Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo emerged from Sunday's loss to England with a sore right leg, making his availability unclear.