Panama has not always been kind to Canadian soccer teams.
A 2-0 loss to Los Canaleros in Panama City last September marked the beginning of the end of the Canadian senior team’s dreams of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Wednesday programming alert: Watch Canada vs. Panama in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Men’s U-17 Championships live on Sportsnet World. Coverage begins at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT. You can also watch the match on Sportsnet World Online
But Panama has been far more kind to Canada’s under-17 side, having reached the semifinals of the CONCACAF U-17 Championships currently being staged in the Central American country. A 4-2 win over Jamaica earlier this week not only propelled Canada into the final four of the tournament, but also allowed the Reds to automatically qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in October.
Canada plays Panama in the CONCACAF semifinals on Wednesday, and can take another step closer to claiming its first ever continental championship with a victory.
While winning the CONCACAF Championship would be nice, qualifying for the World Cup was the main objective, as coach Sean Fleming believes it is integral to the continued development of this group of young players as they work their way through the national team program up to senior team level.
Playing at a World Cup will have long-term benefits: his players will get at least three international games under their belts (more if they make it to the knockout round) and learn how to deal with the pressure of a big event.
"It was absolutely critical (to qualify for the World Cup). This program is hopefully planting the seed for these kids to go and play for our senior men’s team. That’s really what the main goal for all these players should be. Every international (game) we can get is fantastic," Fleming said.
One shouldn’t overlook the Canadian U-17 team’s accomplishment in qualifying for its second consecutive World Cup. Unlike at the senior level where Mexico and the United States dominate, CONCACAF is more competitive at the under-17 level, with far more teams in the mix.
"I think we stack up fairly well but I don’t know if people realize how good CONCACAF is (at U-17 level)," Fleming offered. "Every country in CONCACAF is getting better and putting more money into their programs, starting to get the kids a bit younger."
Fleming can only do so much, though. He’s just one small cog in the vast machinery of Canadian player development. He hopes that his team’s success will lead to chances for his players to latch on with MLS and NASL clubs so they can further develop their skills.
He’s also stressed the importance of a high-performance Canadian league where the country’s best prospects can cut their teeth and gain valuable experience.
"We need to give opportunities for these younger players," Fleming stated. "It’s still a real difficult age for these kids to find spots. MLS clubs are great with their academies and the NASL club in Edmonton is going to give opportunities for the kids.
"But I still think we have to better prepare so they can go play in MLS. … We have to find good competitive environments for the kids so they can continue develop. They need to be pushed all the time so they can continually develop to the best of their potential.
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As for Wednesday’s contest, Panama poses a tough test for Canada, as the host nation will benefit from a partisan and hostile crowd.
"They’re a very good team. They’re together nearly all the time when they’re here in panama. They’re very technical, very well coached, and very well organized," Fleming said.
Fleming’s pride was stung when the Canada team he coached lost to the U.S. in extra time of the finals of the 2011 CONCACAF Championships, and he’s anxious to make amends.
"I told (the players), you don’t know when these (opportunities) will come. We want to win our confederation championship. Yes, we feel good (that) we’ve accomplished our goal of qualifying for the World Cup, but we want to go out and do our best and get to the final," Fleming said.