Argentina seized a considerable advantage in the first leg of the CONCACAF/​CONMEBOL playoff, as they defeated Panama 4-0 in Buenos Aires. The teams now travel to Panama City for the second leg on Tuesday.

After missing out on the last two tournaments, the Albiceleste made a convincing argument for their return to the Women’s World Cup, as Mariana LARROQUETTE and Eliana STABILE had the home side two goals to the good at halftime. Panama held things tight for the remainder of the match, until stoppage time in the second half, when Yamila RODRÍGUEZ and Stabile both found net to extend Argentina’s lead. To make matters worse for the Cañaleras, Katherine CASTILLO and Lineth CEDEÑO were both sent off and will miss Tuesday’s return leg.