Panama’s late triumph over the United States Men’s National Team sent ripples through SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. It was a tense Concacaf Nations League semifinal, tied at 0–0 until Cecilio Waterman broke through in the fourth minute of stoppage time. His shot flew past Matt Turner and crashed into the far corner, sealing a famous 1–0 victory for Panama.
Everyone on the field burst into celebration. Waterman tore off his jersey, jumped the pitchside boards, and set his sights on Thierry Henry, who was covering the match for CBS. Moments later, the Panamanian forward was shouting right in Henry’s face, “¡Tú eres mi ídolo!” while hugging the Arsenal legend. Henry, caught off-guard, looked both thrilled and relieved. “Thank God I understand Spanish,” he said later with a smile. “I never thought I was going to be part of a celebration like that and not scoring the goal or even being on the field.”
Waterman, 33, has played club soccer in Chile and has never been shy about who he admires most. “I watched him play at Arsenal, and the truth is since I was a young kid he’s been an inspiration for me,” he said on the broadcast set. “I scored the goal, and I saw you, and I knew I had to come and say hi.” Those words moved Henry, who praised the passion Panama brought to the match. “I’ve scored goals, I’ve won stuff, I’ve lost stuff, but that’s going to be up there with everything,” he said. “I have to show my kids.”
Waterman’s strike was Panama’s only shot on target all night, but it was enough. The USMNT looked sluggish and struggled to create clear chances. Despite the home crowd, they lacked the final spark that Panama found in the dying minutes. Coach Thomas Christiansen’s team clung to tactical discipline from the opening whistle, staying compact and waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
Panama’s road to the final has been defined by resilience. They eliminated Costa Rica away from home in the quarterfinals, and now they’ve toppled the three-time defending Nations League champions. Their journey continues this Sunday, when they’ll take on Mexico for the trophy, a showdown that promises more drama and belief from a squad that refuses to back down.
A priceless celebration
After the match, Waterman gifted his signed jersey to Henry. In return, the Frenchman promised to send him an Arsenal shirt. It was a fitting tribute to the influence one icon can have on another player’s dream. “Many good things have happened to me in my career,” Waterman said with emotion, “but this one was different. This one was incredible.”
For Henry, the unexpected hug was a moment of genuine human connection, reminding everyone that soccer’s magic often appears when fans and athletes share the same stage. That brief exchange said more about respect and admiration than any post-match analysis ever could. It was a sign that the sport still has room for heartfelt gestures in the midst of competition.
By the final whistle, Panama’s celebrations reverberated through the stadium. They left the United States stunned and found themselves on the verge of a landmark trophy. A single goal changed the narrative of the match, and Waterman’s dash toward Henry captured all the reasons so many people love this game. The Nations League final awaits, but this moment already feels like a victory for both Panama and a player who found his idol waiting by the sideline.
