Panama stun USMNT in worst performance of Mauricio Pochettino era

Panama shocked the United States with a late strike from Cecilio Waterman’s injury-time goal(90+5) to clinch a win in their CONCACAF Nations League semi-final encounter.

Substitute Waterman scored in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time to give Panama a stunning 1-0 win Thursday at SoFi Stadium – ending the USMNT’s run of three consecutive wins in the Concacaf Nations League.

The defeat recorded the third time Panama had defeated the USMNT in any tournament, since last summer’s 2-1 triumph in the Copa America – the other two defeats came in following the 2023 Gold Cup semi-final win on penalties and the 2024 Copa America group stage.

The loss marks Mauricio Pochettino’s first competitive game and first loss since assuming the role of the USMNT coach on September 10. A disappointed Pochettino couldn’t hide his frustration after the defeat,

“I’m disappointed because I think it’s not the way that we want to build this journey together and moving forward with the objective to play in the World Cup, with the objective to be competitive,” he said.

In a memorable moment that caught the lenses of the cameras, it was Waterman who stole the show on the historic Thursday night.

The substitute was graced with the opportunity to celebrate his late strike with his football idol, Thierry Henry.

The 33-year-old who plies his trade in Chile, ripped off his jersey and hurdled the advertising endboards before climbing up onto the broadcast stage to celebrate with Henry, who looked just as stunned as the rest of the crowd at SoFi Stadium.

In a joyous mode, Waterman made the entire world know how he idolises Henry and what the goal meant for him personally,

“Many good things have happened to me in my career, but this one is different,” Waterman said. “This one was incredible.

“You are my idol!” Waterman repeatedly shouted in Spanish before hugging Henry, an Arsenal great,” said Waterman.

The USMNT has won the competition since its inception in 2019 – the first three editions of this tournament, but For the first time, the Concacaf Nations League trophy won’t stay in the U.S.

Moments like these are part of the reasons why we love the beautiful game. Lots of thrills and frills, Making memories while writing your name in the highest echelons of football for your country – just as Cecelio Waterman has done against the USMNT men’s team.