WASHINGTON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Panama aims to win or tie in their upcoming match against Argentina on Friday in the group stage of the 2016 Centennial Copa America.
Both teams won their opening match in the tournament, with Panama beating Bolivia and Argentina defeating Chile, both at 2-1.
But Panama knows Argentina, the number one team in the FIFA world rankings, is one of the favorites to win the Copa America tournament.
According to a poll carried out by Panamanian daily La Estrella de Panama, people think it will be a mistake if coach, Hernan Dario Gomez, repeats the same game plan as the one used against Bolivia, since Argentina is an opponent that calls for a more defensive game.
Argentina coach Gerardo Martino has announced that star Lionel Messi will play in the match against Panama which is held in Chicago, Illinois.
Panamanian experts know that Messi is not the only Argentine player that poses a threat at the national squad. Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero all gave fantastic performances on Monday against Chile in the absence of Messi.