In a dramatic Concacaf Nations League semifinal, Panama delivered a 1-0 shock to the United States. Cecilio Waterman, after scoring the decisive goal that propelled Panama past the US, engaged in a memorable celebration. He approached Thierry Henry, who was on set for Paramount+ near the goal.
Witness the game-winning moment and Waterman’s unique celebration:
Waterman, a player for Chilean team Coquimbo Unido, headed straight for the French football icon and shared a few words. Initially, the interaction seemed intense. However, Henry later clarified that Waterman expressed that Henry was his childhood idol and that scoring prompted him to approach him.
Following the match, Waterman gifted Henry his jersey. In a heartwarming gesture, Henry promised to reciprocate by sending Waterman one of his Arsenal jerseys.
The goal was truly remarkable, Panama’s only shot on target throughout the entire match, and an excellent strike at that. It also marked Waterman’s first goal against the USMNT in their second encounter. This victory marks Panama’s third consecutive win against the United States in major competitions.
Panama, currently ranked 36th globally by FIFA, will now compete against the winner of the Mexico-Canada match in the final. This will be the first time that a team other than the USMNT will claim victory in this competition.
