Monday, Jul 21, 2025

Shock Defeat! USA Knocked Out by Panama in a Stunning Upset

Waterman's goal and goodbye to the home team of the Concacaf Nations League final

Waterman scored the only goal of the match.PHOTO: Efe

The Panama national team earned a historic place in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League after defeating the United States 1-0 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

An agonizing goal by Cecilio Waterman in the 94th minute gave La Roja the victory, making them the first Central American team to reach the final of this tournament.

A golden goal at the last minute

Panama Vs USA, Panama, USA, Futbol Soccer, QuéOnnda
Panama Vs USA / PHOTO: Screenshot of X

The match was tense from the start, with the U.S. side determined to impose its dominance at home.

Under the direction of Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, the Stars and Stripes took the field with a lineup loaded with speed and high pressure, led by players such as Weston McKennie and Josh Sargent.

However, Panama showed their mettle and tactical discipline, withstanding the initial onslaught and quickly balanced the game.

Thomas Christiansen’s men relied on tenacity in marking and patience to wait for the right moment to attack.

Although the United States generated the clearest chances in the first half, with a shot by Sargent that went just wide of the right post and another by McKennie that required a great save by Panamanian goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera, the score remained scoreless at the break.

The agony of added time

Panama Vs USA / PHOTO: Screenshot of X

The second half continued in the same vein, with the host team desperately seeking to open the scoring and Panama holding on with an orderly defense.

As the half wore on, the pressure on the home team intensified, especially after Patrick Agyemang’s 87th minute shot grazed the crossbar and left the American fans on the verge of fainting.

But the coup de grace came in the 94th minute, when Adalberto Carrasquilla picked up the ball in the middle of the field and, with a privileged vision, filtered a precise pass to Cecilio Waterman.

The Panamanian striker, showing coolness and dexterity, slipped through the U.S. defenders and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Matt Turner.

The goal sparked euphoria in the Panamanian section of the stadium, while disappointment gripped the local players, aware that revenge for their elimination from the Copa América 2024 had once again gone up in smoke against the same opponents.

A historic moment for Central America

Panama Vs USA, Panama, USA, Futbol Soccer, QuéOnnda
Panama Vs USA / PHOTO: Screenshot of X

With this victory, Panama not only eliminated the tournament hosts, but also became the first Central American team to reach the final of the Concacaf Nations League.

This represents a huge achievement for Panamanian football and reaffirms the growth of its national team on the international stage

QueOnnda.com

For their part, the United States, who were hoping to regain their lost prestige after their elimination from the Copa América, will now have to settle for a third-place match against the loser of the Mexico-Canada game.

Panama will now face Mexico, which secured its place in the final after defeating Canada.

The title game will be played next Sunday, again at SoFi Stadium, where a full house is expected and a mostly Mexican crowd will be looking to celebrate another regional title.

Although the home crowd was not as large as expected during the match between Panama and the United States, the atmosphere changed dramatically as Mexican fans began to fill the stadium in anticipation of the subsequent match against Canada.

A lesson for the USA

Panama’s passage to the final is a reflection of the collective effort and clear vision of a team that has been able to overcome obstacles.

Under the direction of Thomas Christiansen, the Canal team has shown that tactical order and grit can defeat more powerful opponents on paper.

Meanwhile, the United States will have to rethink its strategy for future international matches, especially after two consecutive defeats against Panama that cast doubt on the team’s direction under Pochettino.

Sunday will be a historic day for Panama, which will have the opportunity to fight for the title and become the CONCACAF Nations League champion against a Mexico team that arrives motivated and with the support of thousands of fans.

Can Panama make history once again or will the experience and power of El Tri prevail?

The table is set for a final that promises thrills to the limit.

For more Soccer news, visit QueOnnda.com.

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