The Concacaf Nations League semi-finals befell on Thursday, with the USA, Canada, Mexico and Panama vying for a spot within the ultimate.
Here’s what went down.
Panama shock as USA eradicated
Scorer: Cecilio Waterman 90+4
Three-time Nations League winners the USA had been eradicated from the competitors on residence soil after a 1-0 victory from Panama.
Regardless of the drastic discrepancy in expertise, it was a timid affair throughout the opening 45 minutes. The defending champions really struggled to discover a sense of urgency on the pitch.
Josh Sargent was among the many few gamers on excessive alert, with an effort hitting the submit earlier than he noticed one other objective dominated out for offside.
The method from Mauricio Pochettino’s males modified after half-time. America appeared to play extra instantly in opposition to Panama, and phrases had been clearly exchanged within the dressing room.
8 – Panama has averted defeat in eight of its final 11 aggressive matches in opposition to the (W3 D5 L3, advancing on penalties twice). Bogey.
Nevertheless, regardless of one of the best efforts of Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams, there was no inventive spark in midfield, which led to issues remaining 0-0. By the half-hour mark, the hosts nonetheless had solely two efforts on track.
Racing in opposition to the clock and dealing with a Panama aspect that always performed with eight gamers within the field at instances, the environment turned tense.
Substitutes entered the match hoping to convey a spark for the USA, and efforts within the dying moments fell brief. Patrick Agyemang had a selected affect however was denied by Orlando Mosquera earlier than chipping a second effort over the bar. Weston McKennie was additionally later denied.
After which, with their one true alternative over 90 minutes, Panama wrote their very own historical past. Cecilio Waterman was left unmarked within the field and struck into the underside left nook past a diving Matt Turner.
The win means there shall be a brand new champion for the primary time on this competitors’s transient historical past. Panama will face both Canada or Mexico within the ultimate on Sunday.
📸 FREDERIC J. BROWN – AFP or licensors