USA beaten as surprise finalists set to battle for CONCACAF Nations League glory

For the first time ever since its inception in 2019, the final of the CONCACAF Nations League will not feature the United States.

A 93rd minute strike from Panama’s Cecilio Waterman stunned fans at California’s SoFi stadium with the only goal of the game securing a passage to Sunday’s final for the ‘Canaleros’.

Panama spent the bulk of the match defending but pounced at the death with the loss a huge setback for the US under new boss Pochettino who now turn their thoughts to the summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.

“We are USA. You cannot win with your shirt, or you cannot win if you play here, there or I don’t know,” U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino said after the game.

“You need to show, and you need to come here and be better and suffer and win the duels and work hard. If not, it’s not going to be enough.”

Mexico await

Up next for Panama in Sunday’s final is Mexico, who beat Canada 2-0 in California thanks to Fulham forward Raul Jimenez’s brace, while the U.S. will face Canada in the third-place game.

Canada struggled to match the intensity of Mexico, who pounced early with Jimenez scoring inside the first minute after Roberto Alvarado’s shot bounced off a defender and landed perfectly for him to fire home from the centre of the box.

Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies came closest for Canada in the first half before Mexico sealed victory in the 75th minute when Jimenez netted from a free kick following a foul on Santiago Gimenez by Stephen Eustaquio.

Sunday will see a new champion crowned Nations League winner after the U.S. secured wins in all previous finals of this new CONCACAF competition in 2021, 2023 and 2024.

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