Nizhny Novgorod, Russia: Panama midfielder Edgar Barcenas on Saturday said his team wanted to move forward and put their 3-0 loss to Belgium behind them, after what he called a nervous start to their 2018 FIFA World Cup run.
Barcenas spoke at a press conference ahead of Panama's second Group G match against England on Sunday, which notched a last-minute 2-1 win over Tunisia in their opener.
He admitted his team had suffered from a bit of "stage fright" against Belgium, in what is Panama's first-ever trip to the World Cup, but said the defeat "remained in history" and that the team wanted to focus on facing the rest of a "difficult group."
"We've been analyzing videos from England and we're mentally prepared. I'm physically well to play a good match on Sunday," the Tijuana player added, saying the team was focused on coach Dario Gomez's strategic plan for the match.
On Saturday, Belgium secured a place in the World Cup knockout stage with a 5-2 win over Tunisia.
