Thomas Christiansen believes Panama's exit from the Copa America will prove to be a "learning experience" for his players following their defeat to Colombia. 

Panama had no answers to a James Rodriguez-inspired performance, bowing out of the competition after a 5-0 defeat to Los Cafeteros in Arizona. 

Christiansen's side reached the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in their history, having fallen in the group stages in 2016. 

Panama finished second in Group C in this year's edition behind Uruguay, while also knocking out hosts United States out in the process. 

Los Canaleros knew the enormity of the task ahead of them and have now failed to beat Colombia in their 15 fixtures against them (drawn four, lost 11). 

However, head coach Christiansen was proud of his team's efforts and knows his players will return stronger from the defeat. 

"I am very proud of my players, of what they have achieved in this Copa America," Christiansen said. 

"Of course, no one likes losing and much the less 5-0, but we have to commend the players for this Copa America.

"It did not end as we wished, but this is also a learning experience."

Thomas Christiansen believes Panama can rise to the occasion when they face Colombia in the Copa America quarter-finals on Saturday.

Panama are competing in the tournament for the second time, and have already made history after reaching the knockout stages for the first time.

They finished as runners-up in Group C behind Uruguay after wins over the USA and Bolivia, and now face a tough test against Group D winners Colombia, who are on a 26-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Christiansen admitted he had wanted to be the surprise package before the tournament, and he has now urged his team to take that one step further.

"I don't need to tell [his players] anything," the head coach said.

"They know that they have made history. But we don't want to stop there. We want to try and go a step further, and hopefully, we can do that.

"We're not going to take anything for granted.

"If they [Colombia] want to look down on us, that's their thing. But we are going to take this match very seriously."