On June 24, 2018, England faced Panama in a Group G match of the FIFA World Cup, held at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. England delivered a dominant performance, defeating Panama 6-1, marking their largest ever World Cup victory.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- England: 6 (John Stones 8′, 40′; Harry Kane 22′ (pen.), 45+1′ (pen.), 62′; Jesse Lingard 36′)
- Panama: 1 (Felipe Baloy 78′)
- Possession:
- England dominated possession with 58%, while Panama held 42%. England’s superior ball control allowed them to dictate the pace and flow of the game.
- Shots:
- England had 12 shots, with 7 on target, showcasing a high efficiency in converting chances. Panama managed 8 shots, 3 on target, indicating limited but slightly effective attempts when considering the quality of opposition.
- Passing Accuracy:
- England achieved an 89% passing accuracy, completing 512 passes out of 575 attempts. Panama, with 71% accuracy, completed 286 passes out of 402, indicating a struggle to maintain possession under England’s pressure.
- Defensive Statistics:
- England made 11 tackles, while Panama made 16, reflecting Panama’s defensive efforts to contain England’s attacking prowess. Panama committed 15 fouls compared to England’s 9, demonstrating a more aggressive defensive approach.
- Set Pieces:
- England’s effectiveness in set pieces was evident, with two of their goals coming from corners (John Stones’ goals). Additionally, Harry Kane scored twice from the penalty spot, highlighting England’s clinical nature in capitalizing on set-piece opportunities.
- Individual Performances:
- Harry Kane’s hat-trick elevated him to the top of the goal-scoring charts at that stage of the tournament. John Stones’ two goals from set pieces underscored England’s aerial threat. Jesse Lingard’s goal was a standout moment, demonstrating England’s ability to score from open play with a well-executed shot from outside the box.
- Tactical Overview:
- England employed a 3-5-2 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield and provide width through wing-backs. This setup overwhelmed Panama, who struggled defensively and failed to cope with England’s attacking movement and set-piece execution.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for Panama (Armando Cooper 24′, Gabriel Gomez 45+1′), reflecting their aggressive tackling and attempts to disrupt England’s play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- England won 8 corners compared to Panama’s 2, underlining their sustained offensive pressure. Both teams were caught offside once, indicating disciplined defensive lines.
Summary
England’s comprehensive victory over Panama was characterized by clinical finishing, effective use of set pieces, and overall tactical superiority. Panama’s consolation goal was their first ever in a World Cup, but it came too late to influence the outcome. England’s performance highlighted their strength in depth and their potential as serious contenders in the tournament.
