Panama thrashed Argentina 11-0 in their opening game to set up a winner-goes-through showdown with Brazil at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City, which they won 4-0.

Seven different players rounded home base for Panama versus Argentina, while starting pitcher Humberto Mejía allowed just two hits in four innings, striking out five.

Matt Hardy, Alberto Guerrero and Randall Delgado each threw a scoreless inning in relief.

Brazil beat New Zealand 12-7 and Nicaragua 4-1 to reach the game versus Panama.

Panama had only four hits versus Brazil, but made them count.

Jose Ramos hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning, Allen Córdoba drove home a run in the fifth and Edgar Munoz's solo long ball in the seventh inning exaggerated the advantage.

Brazil are due to face Nicaragua tomorrow in a winner-takes-all final game of the qualifier.

The World Baseball Classic is sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and organised in conjunction with Major League Baseball.

It serves as the WBSC's World Championship for men's national baseball teams.

The 2023 edition is due to be played in the United States, Japan and Taiwan from March 8 to 21.