In a stunning upset, Panama secured a 1-0 victory over the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on March 20, 2025. With this win, the underdog Panama team advances to the final, where they will face either Canada or Mexico.
The match reached a nail-biting climax with Cecilio Waterman's dramatic goal in the 94th minute, just when it looked like the game would head into extra time. Waterman, brought on as a substitute, capitalized on a broken play in midfield and delivered a precise shot into the far corner past U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner. This stunning late goal dashed hopes for the U.S., who were looking to defend their title as three-time consecutive Nations League champions.
Despite dominating possession with 67% and registering 12 shots (5 on target), the U.S. struggled to breach Panama’s solid defense throughout the match. Panama, on the other hand, managed to convert their limited opportunities, capturing the win with only three shots, one of which was on target. This latest defeat marks the third time Panama has overcome the U.S. in their last four encounters, a notable achievement for the team considered an underdog.
The match started with both teams battling fiercely for control. The U.S., under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation with Yunus Musah repurposed as a right-back and Tanner Tessman stepping into midfield. Pochettino's strategy aimed to harness the attacking talents of players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah, who had been pivotal in previous successes. Yet, as the game progressed, frustration grew among the U.S. players as they failed to capitalize on their chances.
In the early stages, the U.S. appeared sluggish, struggling to find rhythm against a confident and high-pressing Panama squad. The Americans seemed rattled after Chris Richards received the first yellow card of the match, a sign of the mounting pressure. In a series of missteps, Pulisic's errant pass and subsequently Musah's slip during a clearance showcased the U.S. misfiring under pressure.
By halftime, the lack of scoring opportunities drew boos from U.S. supporters, dissatisfied with the team's uninspired display. Pochettino needed to instill confidence in his squad to overturn the tide of the match. While the U.S. had more attempts, a lack of clear-cut chances haunted them.
Panama, high on confidence after their previous encounters with the U.S., played with a resolute spirit. They effectively closed down passing lanes and thwarted forward thrusts. The Central American side’s disciplined defensive setup forced the U.S. to rely on questionable long-range efforts while they handled a barrage of corner kicks with relative ease.
As the clock ticked on, headaches piled for Pochettino’s team, who had just two offside calls against them despite raising their attacking levels late in the second half. Numerous insights pointed to Panama's resilience as they continued to hold their ground. Given how the U.S. dominated the first half in terms of possession, the emergence of Panama's strong resolve throughout the match surprised many who tuned in.
On the other side, Panama aimed for a counter-attacking strategy, which proved effective as the game neared its end. Waterman’s vitality added momentum for Panama when he was introduced, disrupting the U.S. rhythm and forcing defensive adjustments.
As the fateful moment approached, the U.S. found themselves vulnerable following a careless giveaway in midfield. The resulting play, initiated by Waterman, saw him muster composure in the dying stages to score, reverting the narrative of a game dominated by the Americans in other areas. This goal eliminated the U.S. from contention for the Nations League title they have claimed in the last three editions, raising questions about their current form as they look towards future competitions and a much-anticipated World Cup.
The U.S. had previously reached this semifinal with a convincing 5-2 win over Jamaica, showcasing their scoring prowess. However, their defensive fragility and inability to maintain productivity in clarity was further emphasized in this match.
This loss prompts larger discussions surrounding the U.S. program under Coach Pochettino, who has seen recent success yet faces pressures leading into future international fixtures, including the Gold Cup and the World Cup preparations. Players like Pulisic were expected to lead the team with their experience, yet the squad's recent performance against Panama provokes questions of potential retuning before the final round of the Nations League comes around.
Looking ahead, Panama aims to carry this momentum into the final as they prepare for formidable rivals Canada or Mexico. They have demonstrated a commendable ability to take down larger footballing nations, offering hope for potentially further surprises in the tournament.
This historic upset highlights not only the competitive nature of CONCACAF football but also sets the stage for Panama, continuing to build their reputation in the sport.
The next match promises thrilling encounters as the final will unfold shortly, showcasing top-tier talent across the region.
