One of the most inspirational stories of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification is that of Panama national football team, who after ten failed qualification campaigns finally made it to the finals of a World Cup event. It is said that it is never too late for success and Panama have quite literally proved it. Panama is placed in Group G along with perennial underachievers England, Belgium and Tunisia. The CONCACAF football team also known as Los Canaleros are coached by veteran Colombian coach Hernan Dario Gomez who is one of the only two coaches to have led three different sides through a successful World Cup qualification campaign alongside Frenchmen Henri Michel. Having previously lead Colombia and Ecuador in the finals of a World Cup, the coach reminded everyone that his side has what it takes to be giant killers. FIFA World Cup 2018 Schedule in IST for PDF Download: Fixtures, Groups, Time Table with Match Timings & Venue Details of Football WC in Russia.

World Cup Qualification Campaign: Panama began their World Cup Qualification Campaign: Panama began their journey in the regional qualifier in the round 4 where they had Costa Rica, Jamaica and Haiti for the company. They finished second in the group behind Costa Rica with 10 points. Los Ticos who topped their group with 16 points defeated Panama both home and away.

The brand of football on display against top teams has denied Panama a chance to be in a position of direct qualification from the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) region. But things were about to change this time around with Panama against all odds securing a third place in the CONCACAF's Hex or the fifth round. With a defensive style of play, Panama went on to draw games against quality oppositions like Mexico and the United States of America. An important away win against Honduras had paved way for an interesting battle ahead and a bunch of draws meant Panama were in a position on the last day for securing direct qualification berth.

Needing a win against Costa Rica in addition to a loss for the United States of America from the hands of Trinidad and Tobago, Panama had the footballing gods by its side as everything went according to the script. Trailing 0-1 at halftime to a Joan Venegas strike, Panama turned the time in its head with a 53rd-minute equalizer in controversial fashion and during the dying moments, the ever dependable Roman Torres scored the winner securing his side a trip to Russia.

2018 FIFA World Cup Group G Fixtures

Panama opens their account at the 2018 World Cup against a formidable Belgium side-on the 18th of June -who have a galaxy of stars in their team. On paper, there is not much comparison between the teams but representing one's country gives the players an extra edge and surely the likes of Eden Hazard and company will not be taking the Central American side lightly. Next up for Panama will be England in Nizhny Novgorod on the 24th June. England have not done well against teams ranked lower than them in the last few tournaments and one of the key players for Panama, Roman Torres has called on his teammates to target the Three Lions when the sides meet. Tunisia is the last league opponent for Panama with the sides locking horns on the 28th of June. As expected this will be the battle of the minnows who will love to get a win under their belt if the opening two encounter, as is widely expected, may not go their way.

Key Players of Panama national football team

Roman Torres: The central defender is some sort of cult figure back home in Panama after his winning goal against Costa Rica. It his defensive duties, is what his side will be needing most when they come up against quality teams like England and Belgium.

Luis Tejada: The all-time leading goal scorer of Panama with 43 goals and a veteran with 105 caps to his name will surely want to finish his career on a high with a World Cup goal to his name. The 35-year-old striker has a wealth of experience behind him which will come in handy for his team in a tournament like a World Cup.

Panama has had a fairytale run in the build-up to the World Cup and it will be great for fans and neutrals alike to watch this team do well in the group stages. Although, qualification to the knock out phase is something of a tall order for the Los Canaleros, but just making an appearance at such a massive stage will inspire footballers for generations in the country.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2018 05:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).