Panama stunned the United States men’s national team on Thursday with a late goal to secure a 1-0 victory in the Concacaf Nations League semifinal. The celebrations after the goal with CBS pundit Thierry Henry were hilarious.
Panama striker Cecilio Waterman gave his side an iconic moment in the 94th minute when his low strike proved to be the winning goal. Waterman, who came on as a sub in the 70th minute, jumped the advertisement board and ran straight to French legend Henry.
Panama players celebrate with Henry
CECILIO WATERMAN AT THE DEATH
PANAMA ARE HEADED TO THE CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL pic.twitter.com/3mKdPR668Y— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) March 21, 2025
Panama forward Cecilio Waterman jumped over the ad boards and celebrated his stoppage-time winner over the United States with Thierry Henry
What a moment for him and Panama ❤️ pic.twitter.com/tM8D23AeQc— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 21, 2025
What Cecilio Waterman said to Thierry Henry while pointing to and hugging him after scoring the game-winner in Panama’s latest upset over the #USMNT.
“You’re my idol, You’re my idol” Waterman said to Thierry.Fantastic. #USAPAN
@TWDTV1 https://t.co/UcupKvVgTz pic.twitter.com/khqx7omWo3
— Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (BlueSky too now) (@sluggahjells) March 21, 2025
Incredible stuff from the Canaleros who have upset the USMNT in back-back-to-back competitive fixtures. Panama spoiled the USA’s Copa América dream last summer and have pulled off another surprise upset to deny the U.S. a fourth-straight Nations League title. Panama also eliminated the U.S. in the 2023 Gold Cup.
Waterman’s goal was Panama’s only shot on goal the entire game. Panama will advance to take on the winner of Mexico/Canada in the final on Sunday.
As for the USMNT and head coach Mauricio Pochettino, there are no praises or anything worth mentioning. U.S. fans are coming to the brutal realization that this team is simply not good.
It doesn’t matter if it’s Gregg Berhalter or Pochettino or hell, Pep Guardiola in charge. These players may be brilliant individuals that can win titles in Europe, but as a team they aren’t up to snuff.
This USMNT squad is running out of wake up calls after their embarrassing Copa América group stage exit last summer. A home World Cup is one year away and these players appear ready to embarrass themselves and their country on the world stage.
Congratulations to Panama who defended valiantly and secured the smash-and-grab victory. To the USMNT, you’re not worth watching until a serious character change takes place.
