Setting the stage: A dramatic opener in Chile
On the cool and amazing night of the first day of the U-20 World Cup 2025, two teams clashed in the field of the Chilean stadium to qualify for the next rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2025-2026. This match was going to be amazing, and also finding out who would be qualified for the next match.
The venue was Estadio ElĂas Figueroa Brander, ValparaĂso, Chile, on 27 September 2025. The attendance was modest — around 2,923 spectators — but the match itself would far outstrip expectations in excitement and tension.
Referee JosĂ© MarĂa Sánchez MartĂnez took the whistle, and both sides knew an opening win would give momentum in a tightly contested group. Paraguay fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation with talents such as Enso González leading their attack. Panama, too, showed ambition from the outset, especially in set pieces and physical duels.
From the opening whistle, the match had the feel of a tug of war — attack and counterattack, moments of brilliance and near misses, and a dramatic finale fitting a World Cup debut.
First half: Panama’s dream start, Paraguay fights back
0–1: Panama strikes early
Panama stunned Paraguay just four minutes into the match. A corner kick caused chaos in the penalty area, and MartĂn Krug reacted fastest to stab home a loose ball and give Panama a dream start. The early goal was a statement — it showed Panama weren’t purely content to defend, they had intentions.
Paraguay, rattled, attempted to impose themselves. The hosts (Paraguay, playing as “home” in tournament context) pressed high and tried to open spaces. But Panama’s defense and goalkeeper Cecilio Burgess held firm in those early bursts. Several Paraguay efforts were blocked or saved.
Equalizer: Maidana pounces before halftime
As the half wore on, Paraguay began to exert more control — possession marginally edging ahead, probing wide and through the middle. Their reward came just before the break, when Alexandro Maidana smashed in a close-range effort after a scramble in the box, leveling the match. It was a vital psychological blow to Panama, as they lost their lead just as they neared halftime.
The half ended 1–1, with both sides having shown strengths and vulnerabilities. Paraguay’s structure allowed better cohesion in midfield, while Panama’s early goal and resistance kept them very much in the contest.
Second half: Momentum shifts, comeback, and heartbreak
Paraguay takes the lead: Enso González brilliance
The second half saw Paraguay increasingly dominate possession — 51% overall to Panama’s 49% (though possession didn’t fully tell the story). They pinned Panama back, menacing on the flanks, often recycling attacks. Their persistence paid off in the 61st minute when Enso González unleashed a sublime volley into the net, nudging Paraguay ahead 2–1. The goal came via a cross from Maidana, delivered into the danger area, and Gonzalez’s shot proved clinical.
González quickly emerged as a key figure — his skill in tight spaces and composure under pressure made him a constant threat. Panama responded with substitutes and tactical tweaks, seeking fresh legs to disrupt Paraguay’s rhythm.
Panama fights back: Herbert’s timely strike
Panama refused to go down quietly. Their persistence reaped dividends in the 75th minute when Giovany Herbert settled a slick one-two with Gustavo Herrera and clinically finished, leveling the game 2–2. The goal followed a VAR check to confirm its legitimacy, but once validated, Panama had drawn itself back into the fight.
At that point, momentum seemed to favor Panama. The underdogs had clawed back parity against a strong opponent, and they sensed an opportunity. But football at this stage often gives one more twist.
Final drama: Caballero the hero
As the clock ticked toward full time, the match looked likely to end in a draw. But in stoppage time — in the 93rd minute — Tiago Caballero intercepted an opening and delivered a decisive finishing touch, slotting home a winner that sent Paraguay into raptures and left Panama stunned, 3–2. The assist came from Rodrigo Villalba with a cross from the wing.
The last-minute goal displayed nerves of steel and opportunism. It was the height of constant pressure from Paraguay, who wouldn’t relent until the final whistle. Panama, exhausted and disadvantaged, could only look back at what might have been.
A late yellow card was shown to Paraguay’s VĂctor Rojas in the dying moments.
Tactical nods & turning points
- Resilience under pressure — Panama’s defense, particularly in the first half, withstood early pressure and transitions. Their early goal allowed them breathing space, but their defense would later be tested.
- Paraguay’s patience and depth — Paraguay’s approach didn’t panic after conceding early. They built momentum, used flanks, recycled possession, and waited for openings. Their substitutions and depth allowed them to maintain intensity throughout.
- Set pieces & crosses — Both teams tried to exploit aerial danger zones. Panama’s opening goal came via a corner scramble. Paraguay’s winner came through a cross assist from Villalba. In such tight matches, those moments often decide outcomes.
- Star performance: Enso González — His volleyed goal and creative play were central to Paraguay’s success. He showed maturity beyond his age group.
- Mental fortitude & fitness — The late goal tells a lot: endurance, composure, and decision-making in the dying moments make the difference in youth tournaments where margins are slim.
Player spotlights & emerging talents
- Enso González (Paraguay) — Without doubt one of the standout performers. His volleyed goal was class, and he consistently created danger. Reports had also flagged his affiliation with Wolverhampton — underscoring his pedigree.
- Alexandro Maidana (Paraguay) — The equalizer before halftime came from him, helping shift momentum. His involvement in build-up and link-up play was integral.
- Tiago Caballero (Paraguay) — The goal in the 93rd minute ensures he won’t be forgotten. A poised finish under pressure defines a clutch player.
- MartĂn Krug (Panama) — Scoring so early gave Panama hope; showed good instinct in the box from a set piece scramble.
- Giovany Herbert (Panama) — His strike to equalize exemplified Panama’s fight. He combined well in build-up and stayed in the fight until final whistle.
- Cecilio Burgess (Panama keeper) — Made important saves, especially when Paraguay became more threatening. Could not do much about the last-minute goal but kept Panama alive for a long stretch.
Implications & what’s next
For Paraguay
- The victory gives them a perfect start in Group B, boosting confidence and momentum.
- They will now look to carry the belief into matches against South Korea and Ukraine, aiming to secure a top-two group finish (or third with favorable outcomes) to advance.
- The performance underscores that Paraguay has depth in youth ranks, with players ready to seize moments under pressure.
For Panama
- Though disappointed, Panama can draw positives: scoring early, equalizing late, and not surrendering without a fight.
- However, conceding a late goal is a harsh lesson in game management and concentration in closing minutes.
- Their margin for error is now reduced. Future matches (vs Ukraine, vs South Korea) will demand sharper tactical discipline, better defensive transitions, and seizing key moments.
Reflections: Why this match mattered
This match offered much more than just three points. For a youth tournament:
- A test of character — Many U-20 matches are decided in small details. Here, the ability to adapt, sustain pressure, and weather adversity were on full display.
- Talent showcase — Scouts, clubs, and national associations watch these fixtures closely. Players like Enso González have likely raised their stock with performances like this.
- Emotional rollercoaster — Fans and neutrals were treated to a mini-drama: early lead, comeback, faltering defense, clutch winner. For a tournament opener, it set the tone.
- Learning for growth — For Panama especially, a loss is painful. But from losses come lessons: closing out matches, tactical awareness under fatigue, and mental resilience.