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Panama stun holders USA to reach Nations League final
The Concacaf Nations League semi-finals took place on Thursday, with the United States, Canada, Mexico and Panama vying for a spot in the final.
Here is what went down.
Panama shock as USA eliminated
Scorer: Cecilio Waterman 90+4
Three-time Nations League winners the United States were eliminated from the competition on home soil after a 1-0 victory from Panama.
Despite the drastic discrepancy in talent, it was a timid affair during the opening 45 minutes. The defending champions truly struggled to find a sense of urgency on the pitch.
Josh Sargent was among the few players on high alert, with an effort hitting the post before he saw another goal ruled out for offside.
The approach from Mauricio Pochettino's men changed after half-time. The United States appeared to play more directly against Panama, and words were clearly exchanged in the dressing room.
8 - Panama has avoided defeat in eight of its last 11 competitive matches against the #USMNT (W3 D5 L3, advancing on penalties twice). Bogey. pic.twitter.com/2X8ufis0ex
— OptaJack️ (@OptaJack) March 21, 2025
However, despite the best efforts of Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams, there was no creative spark in midfield, which led to things remaining 0-0. By the half-hour mark, the hosts still had only two efforts on target.
Racing against the clock and facing a Panama side that often played with eight players in the box at times, the atmosphere turned tense.
Substitutes entered the match hoping to bring a spark for the USA, and efforts in the dying moments fell short. Patrick Agyemang had a particular impact but was denied by Orlando Mosquera before chipping a second effort over the bar. Weston McKennie was also later denied.
And then, with their one true opportunity over 90 minutes, Panama wrote their own history. Cecilio Waterman was left unmarked in the box and struck into the bottom left corner beyond a diving Matt Turner.
The win means there will be a new champion for the first time in this competition’s brief history. Panama will face either Canada or Mexico in the final on Sunday.
FREDERIC J. BROWN - AFP or licensors
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