Hernan Dario Gomez: 'Panama will relish World Cup appearance'

Panama coach Hernan Dario Gomez has said that his side will relish the chance to compete at the World Cup.

Los Canaleros first qualified for the tournament in 1978, before failing to qualify for the next 10 editions.

Gomez's team, who earned their place in Russia with a late win over Costa Rica, face Belgium in their first Group G game on Monday afternoon.

"We can dream," the manager told reporters. "We are having the biggest dream of all. We are certainly not favourites but on a good day, we can do something good. Our team can be ready. We are going to be facing opponents who are extraordinary.

"They are true candidates. They have players who are among the best save for [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi - up there in the stratosphere. We are delighted to be able to face them. We will be enormously proud.

"The most important thing is to be able to go back to Panama with our heads held high - being proud of the work we have done here. It is pivotal to be at a World Cup. It's one of the most wonderful things that can happen in your career."

Panama were ranked 55th in the world ahead of the World Cup.