Panamanian Cristian Martinez placed the ball exactly where Jose Fajardo could have been most dangerous. It took just one smart touch and quick movement for the forward to effortlessly slot the ball past the Bolivian goalkeeper, bringing the 12,933 Orlando fans to their feet.
“That goal gave me confidence,” Fajardo said. It gave him “more security.”
It was also what allowed Panama to open the scoring against Bolivia, setting the tone for what would be a thrilling performance by the Central Americans. With a 3-1 victory over Bolivia, Panama secured their ticket to the last 16 of the Copa America for the first time.
It was a historic night for Panama, one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. The win also ended the United States’ hopes of making another long run at the Copa America. Instead, thanks to Panama’s win and a 1-0 loss to Uruguay on Monday, the host nation has now exited the competition.
Even though the historic feat was witnessed by one of the smallest crowds at the Copa América this summer, fans filled the stadium chanting “Panama! Panama!” and “Ole! Ole! Ole!” as they carried their euphoric nation with them.
This is only the second time Panama has participated in the traditionally South American competition. They made their debut in 2016, when they failed to advance past the group stage. Panama and Canada remain the only CONCACAF nations to have qualified for the quarterfinals. Costa Rica, whose chances of qualifying are slim, will learn its fate on Tuesday night.
Panamanian player Eduardo Guerrero celebrates his team’s victory at the end of the match (Eliecer Aizprua Banfield/Jam Media/Getty Images)
For Panama coach Thomas Christiansen, his team’s surprising run is exactly what he hoped for.
“When we went to the United States, I said I would like to be the surprise (of the tournament), like Morocco in the (2022) World Cup (which reached the semi-finals),” he told reporters. “At least now we are qualified for the next round. I am happy. Super happy.”
Christiansen took over the national team in July 2020, replacing Argentina coach Americo Gallego as part of a restructuring of Panamanian football. The Dane has repeatedly told reporters that the successful run in the tournament so far reflects the progress Panama has made over the past four years.
“What we have done and what we have achieved over the last four years is a constant,” Christiansen said. “Is it a coincidence? I don’t believe in coincidences. You have to work, you have to fight for it. Luck alone is not enough.”
That Panama’s victory came at the Inter&Co stadium, forcing the Americans out of the Copa America, was perhaps just a bittersweet and ironic coincidence.
It was on this same pitch that Panama’s World Cup campaign in Qatar ended, with a 5-1 defeat to the United States in March 2022. At the time, Christiansen left the pitch emotional, vowing to stay in charge of his team. On Monday night, the tables were turned.
Panama head coach Christiansen watched his team put the ghosts of the past to rest in Orlando (Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Panama’s strength was evident in the group stage. Despite losing 3-1 to Uruguay in their first match, Panama are still the only team to score against the tournament favorites. The team’s success is not lost on its players.
Monday’s victory “is the result of the hard work we’ve been doing for some time,” Martinez said. “I think today it showed in the tournament. I’m happy with the history we’re making and reaching the quarterfinals.”
Martinez’s assist to Fajardo was the spark Panama needed against Bolivia, the team that has conceded the most goals in the competition (10). While the South Americans did not make things easy for Panama, with Bruno Miranda equalising in the 69th minute, Bolivia was unable to keep the score level for 10 long minutes.
Christiansen’s decision to bring on fresh legs paid off, as Panama’s other two goals came from new substitutes. Eduardo Guerrero scored with a diving header just five minutes after coming on as a substitute and Cesar Yanis sealed Panama’s victory in the 91st minute, just seconds after coming on.
“It’s true, we are the surprise of the tournament,” Panamanian defender Cesar Blackman said after the victory. “Nobody expected it. We managed to win this match against the United States. We knew how to respond favorably against Bolivia. We eliminated one of the giants.”
“We are very happy. The team is happy,” he continued. “I think all of Panama is happy with us and now we have to focus on the quarterfinals.”
This match will likely feature another tournament giant: Colombia or Brazil.
“We know it’s going to be a very tough game,” Blackman said. “But we came to this Copa America to compete and continue to make history.”
(Top photo: Gregg Newton/AFP via Getty Images)
