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Waterman celebrates with Thierry Henry
The most successful football team in the history of the CONCACAF Nations League was denied a fourth shot at defending their crown by the visitors. Despite the loss, the US national team will get a shot at the bronze medal playoff against their neighbouring Canada. This is not the first time Panama has halted the USA's impressive streaks. In 2023, Panama knocked out the USMNT of the Gold Cup on penalties. The following year, Panama again defeated the USA in Copa America.
Neither of the two teams was able to make inroads in the first half. Although the USA dominated possession and shots, a disciplined Panama defence denied them any goal. Extra time seemed inevitable as the game headed towards stoppage time. However, fortunes turned drastically in favour of Panama as they managed to initiate a quick counterattack. Cecilio Waterman scored a banger off the quick counter in the fourth minute of stoppage time. He then went on to have wild celebrations that caught fans off guard.
Waterman's crazy celebration with Thierry Henry
Cecilio Waterman delivered an unforgettable celebration as he jumped towards former footballer Thierry Henry on the Paramount+ set behind the goal. Waterman, who plays for Chilean club Coquimbo Unido, conveyed a message to the Arsenal legend. Initially, what seemed to be a heated exchange was revealed to be an emotion of elation by Henry. Following the match, Henry shared that Waterman had expressed that he idolised him during his youth, and after scoring, he felt compelled to approach him.
CECILIO WATERMAN AT THE DEATH🔥
— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) March 21, 2025
PANAMA ARE HEADED TO THE CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL 🇵🇦 pic.twitter.com/3mKdPR668Y
Waterman later gave Henry his jersey, and in return, Henry agreed to send Waterman one of his Arsenal jerseys.
"I've scored goals, I've won stuff, I've lost stuff but that feeling is gonna be up there with everything. I don't even know, I would end up being there in it and I have to show my kids" Henry said after the celebration with Panama.