USA Eliminate from Nations League by Panama in Pochettino’s Competitive Debut

Cecilio Waterman netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner, shocking defending champions the United States with a 1-0 victory that secured Panama’s spot in the CONCACAF Nations League final on Thursday.

This unexpected result occurred during Mauricio Pochettino’s inaugural competitive match at the helm of the United States, with Waterman firing home a low angled strike in the fourth minute of stoppage time to eliminate the holders at a sparsely attended SoFi Stadium.

Panama will advance to Sunday’s final, where they are set to clash with either Mexico or Canada, who are facing off in Thursday’s other semi-final.

For the US, the defeat leaves coach Pochettino with plenty of questions to ponder after he described the performance as “really painful.”

“I am extremely disappointed,” Pochettino remarked. “I could see that our approach and start to the game wasn’t right.

“We lacked aggression in possession and defensively… the first half was truly painful,” added the former coach of Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.

Despite enjoying the majority of possession, the US found it challenging to break down a determined Panama side for extended periods.

Norwich striker Josh Sargent came closest to finding the net early on, his shot in the 19th minute deflected goalwards by Panama centre-back Edgardo Farina.

Two minutes later, the US squandered another chance when Tim Weah delivered a curling cross to Weston McKennie at the back post, only for the Juventus midfielder’s header to be brilliantly saved by Panama’s goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.

The American side thought they had taken the lead in the 25th minute when Sargent struck a low shot emphatically into the bottom corner, but it was disallowed for offside.

Pochettino made tactical changes by introducing striker Patrick Agyemang for Sargent and midfielder Jack McGlynn for Tanner Tessman in the 67th minute, a move that initially seemed to infuse the US with more energy.

Agyemang came heartbreakingly close to scoring in the 82nd minute, connecting with McKennie’s through ball, but his low attempt was expertly stopped by Mosquera.

He also had another chance two minutes before full-time, but misfired his shot from Christian Pulisic’s low cross, sending the ball over the bar.

Then, just when it seemed the match was heading for extra time, calamity struck for the hosts.

After the US lost possession cheaply in midfield, Panama midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla located an unmarked Waterman on the edge of the box.

The experienced striker took a touch and buried the ball into the bottom corner before celebrating with former French star Thierry Henry, who was commentating on the game.

“I am very proud of the players – they gave it their all,” shared Panama’s Danish coach Thomas Christiansen afterwards.

The United States have now gone winless against Panama in their last three competitive meetings, following an embarrassing 2-1 defeat during last year’s Copa America and a 1-1 draw at the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

“In our last three encounters with Panama in official competitions, we have failed to secure a victory,” Pochettino commented.

“Why? That’s an important question – but it’s a question we must solve together.”