In a stunning finish that shocked fans and pundits alike, Panama secured a place in the final of the Concacaf Nations League by defeating the United States 1-0 in a tightly contested semifinal match at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on March 20, 2025. The decisive moment came in the fourth minute of stoppage time, courtesy of a goal from Cecilio Waterman, who found the back of the net with a well-placed shot assisted by Adalberto Carrasquilla.
The match started with high hopes for the U.S. team, aiming for redemption after their earlier exit from the Copa America at the hands of the Panamanian side. However, the game quickly turned into a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to convert opportunities into goals. Despite maintaining possession in the first half, the Americans could not capitalize on their chances.
Panama's resilience shone through when Patrick Agyemang came close to scoring for the U.S. in the 87th minute, but his attempt went over the crossbar. As the clock continued to tick down, the U.S. pushed forward in search of a winning goal, leaving them vulnerable in defense. Waterman’s goal was a direct result of this gamble, as he capitalized on a lapse in the American defense to seal the victory.
Reflecting on the monumental win, Waterman, who's now 33, celebrated with Thierry Henry, a legendary figure in football and one of his idols. "Since we have been here for years, we have always been on the verge of reaching the final...but finally, at the 90-minute mark, we scored. Now we're going to play another final with this group. Panama is always viewed as underdogs, but we know what we have," Waterman shared with the media after the match.
With this win, Panama has made history as the first Central American nation to advance to the final of the Concacaf Nations League, illustrating their growth under coach Thomas Christiansen. "This is a very humble and hardworking group. We want to bring the cup to Central America," Waterman exclaimed, hinting at their broader ambitions beyond just this tournament.
The upcoming final, scheduled for March 23, 2025, will pit Panama against the winner of the semifinal match between Mexico and Canada, while the U.S. will face off for third place on the same day.
Pochettino, the U.S. head coach, expressed disappointment over his team's performance, particularly in the first half, where they lacked aggression and pace. "I feel so disappointed because in the first half, we played too slowly, too comfortably on the field. We didn’t show aggression with the ball," he lamented. Pochettino acknowledged that while the U.S. improved in the second half, it was not enough to overcome Panama’s clinical finishing.
Christian Pulisic, a standout player for the U.S., articulated similar frustrations, noting their failure to convert possession into scoring opportunities. "It’s hard; we wanted to win. We're missing aggression in the final third. Their game plan was very clear—defend from the back. If the game had gone into extra time, I believe we had a good chance to win," Pulisic remarked.
As the match unfolded, the atmosphere was charged, with many fans donning Mexican jerseys anticipating the next semifinal. Panama’s win not only signifies a sporting achievement but also comes against a backdrop of political tension among the nations involved, further igniting rivalry dynamics in the region.
According to Thomas Christiansen, the key to their success lay in employing a rigorous defensive strategy against the U.S. team's attacking talent. "The only way to beat the USA is through commitment, discipline, and tactical organization, and indeed, you need luck too. Today, luck was on our side," Christiansen explained.
The implications of this match extend beyond just the tournament, with discussions heating up regarding future international competitions, including the Gold Cup later this summer where the U.S. hopes to regroup and reclaim their footing. For now, Panama revels in its triumph and the opportunity to potentially crown itself champion of the Concacaf Nations League.
In the end, this match served as a reminder of football's unpredictability—where the underdog can rise triumphant and where moments of individual brilliance can change the course of a game. For Panama, the road ahead looks promising, as they continue to carve a legacy in international football with their sights firmly set on future glories.
