Panama and Suriname are tied for first place in Group A with 9 points each, but Suriname holds the advantage with a +5 goal difference compared to Panama's +2. Players from the Panama national team do not believe that the Guatemala national team will "gift" them the match. "I don't believe it, I don't see it that way, I think they will go out and play their game," said "Negrito" Quintero. He expressed confidence in the professionalism of the Guatemalan players, noting that they are playing at home in front of their fans. Panama needs a victory and for Suriname to lose or draw away to Guatemala to advance to the next round. If Suriname wins by a single goal in Guatemala, Panama will need to crush the already eliminated El Salvador team for a direct spot in the World Cup. "We have the same points as Suriname," Quintero reminded. "Nothing is said yet, they can also lose or draw, and if we don't do our job, it's useless, so the most important thing here is to focus on the main thing, which is to win, and then, as the matches progress, we will have to score as many goals as possible." The only player absent from training was defender Amir Murillo, who traveled to France at the request of his club, Olympique de Marseille, to be evaluated for an injury. Experienced midfielder Alberto "Negrito" Quintero reiterated the importance of getting the win first and then thinking about a big score. "The most important thing is to win," Quintero emphasized. "After that, we'll see how we do it, whether it's a big win or however, but the most important thing is to get the three points at home."
