Hapoel Kiryat Shmona midfielder Christian Martins drew major attention after being named Man of the Match in Panama’s 1-0 loss to Croatia at the World Cup, a result that eliminated Panama from the tournament. The unusual selection of a player from the losing side sparked excitement in northern Israel, where his club said the performance could also raise interest from potential buyers.
The club said it will not sell Martins for less than 1.5 million euros. Team officials and players were said to have gathered to watch him, and there was strong pride in seeing him represent the club on the biggest stage. One club reaction described the morning as a “great pride” and added, “It is amazing that a player from Kiryat Shmona represents us so impressively on the biggest stage.”
Martins played 90 minutes for Panama for the first time since 2018. Used on the wing, he completed 24 of 34 passes, drew three fouls, won five of eight duels against Croatia’s tough midfield, cleared two balls and made four recoveries. His next match, against England, will be meaningless for Panama, while England still needs a win to secure first place in the group.
After the England match next week, Kiryat Shmona will give Martins rest. He is scheduled to join the team’s training camp in Poland on July 12. The article also recalled that England beat Panama 6-1 when they met at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
