Agency :
Panama earned a dramatic 1-0 win over the United States of America (USA) on Thursday night to become the first Central American team to reach the final of the CONCACAF Nations League. The semifinal clash at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, saw Los Canaleros end the United States’ reign of three consecutive Nations League titles and advance to Sunday’s final, where they will face the winner of the Canada-Mexico matchup.
The match was poised to head into extra time when, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Panama found the breakthrough. Adalberto Carrasquilla won the ball from the U.S. defensive line and slipped a pass to Cecilio Waterman, who took a touch before firing a precise right-footed shot into the left side of the net. It was a goal worthy of winning any match and a moment of pure elation for the Panamanian side.
The U.S. had their chances throughout the match. Josh Sargent tested Edgardo Fariña with a right-footed shot in the 19th minute, while Weston McKennie came close a minute later with a header that Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera did well to keep out. Another promising moment came in the 26th minute when Sargent found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
