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FULL TIMELast update 11:10 PM ET
Key moments
90
Five minutes have been added to the match. The emotions are at their peak as Panama looks to strike on the counterattack, while Guatemala keeps pushing for the equalizer. We’ll see if they have enough time —and enough momentum— to secure a point in this World Cup qualifier.
Guatemala earns fouls and corners as the match nears its end. The fans loudly protest from the stands, but the referee does not give in to the local pressure and only whistles when he believes there is a foul. The end of the match is approaching, and only a few minutes remain before we know how much stoppage time will be added.
The home team has grown in this second half. Guatemala is controlling the tempo on the field and is now creating dangerous chances in Panama’s box. However, Panama’s counterattacks remain sharp, keeping them ahead on the scoreboard. Only a few minutes remain of the 90 regulation minutes.
GOOOOAL⚽ ⚽ Panama ⚽
The equalizer opened up the match, and the intensity on the field rose again. In a deadly counterattack by Panama, player number 17, José Fajardo, received the ball near the six-yard box and sent it into the back of the net.
Panama leads 2-3.
GOOOOAL⚽ ⚽ Guatemala ⚽
After scoring the first goal, the home team grew in confidence. An offside call initially silenced the celebration, but the play went to VAR review. After tense moments, Guatemala’s second goal was confirmed. Player number 11, Rudy Muñoz, was onside and scored the equalizer.
GOOOOAL⚽ ⚽ Guatemala ⚽
Luck wasn’t on Guatemala’s side either. In a counterattack, they were close to reaching Panama’s box with real danger, but two slips by their players prevented the chance from developing.
And just when it seemed almost impossible for the home team to score, player number 19, Arquimidez Ordoñez, received a cross completely unmarked in front of goal and scored the equalizer.
And just when it seemed almost impossible for the home team to score, player number 19, Arquimidez Ordoñez, received a cross completely unmarked in front of goal and scored the equalizer.
Guatemala 1–2 Panama
The star of the match, Cecilio Waterman, leaves the field and José Fajardo comes on in his place. Another substitution is made to bring fresh energy to Panama’s attack.
Around the 63rd minute, Panama came close to scoring a third goal after a powerful shot from their number 4.
Around the 63rd minute, Panama came close to scoring a third goal after a powerful shot from their number 4.
Even though Guatemala controls the ball, the real danger continues to come from Panama.
There have been substitutions for Guatemala. With these changes, the coach hopes to turn possession into dangerous chances to pull one back. However, Panama grows stronger with every counterattack and continues to threaten the Guatemalan goal.
The concern in the stands increases with 30 minutes left to play.
The concern in the stands increases with 30 minutes left to play.
The Panamanian national team seems to allow the home side to move forward, aiming to respond quickly with dangerous attacks. Panama’s defense remains solid, and with every counterattack they manage to break through Guatemala’s lines.
Several players from the home team are now warming up on the sidelines.
Several players from the home team are now warming up on the sidelines.
Guatemala manages to control possession, but they are unable to reach the Panamanian box with real danger. Meanwhile, the visitors threaten with every counterattack they create.
The score remains unchanged in these first five minutes of the second half.
The score remains unchanged in these first five minutes of the second half.
The players return to the field as the substitutions are confirmed.
Guatemala’s number 13, Stheven Robles, leaves the match and Muñoz (number 11) comes in.
Guatemala kicks off the second half.
The second half of these Concacaf qualifiers is underway!
Guatemala’s number 13, Stheven Robles, leaves the match and Muñoz (number 11) comes in.
Guatemala kicks off the second half.
The second half of these Concacaf qualifiers is underway!
Two minutes were added to the 45 regulation minutes.
The final moments of the first half were played at a frantic pace: Guatemala pushed hard to pull one back, while Panama also attacked looking for a third goal to seal the match before halftime.
There is already a standout player in this game: Panama’s Waterman.
The final moments of the first half were played at a frantic pace: Guatemala pushed hard to pull one back, while Panama also attacked looking for a third goal to seal the match before halftime.
There is already a standout player in this game: Panama’s Waterman.
GOOOOAL⚽ ⚽ Panama ⚽ ⏱️43'
The Panamanian team makes the most of their attacking plays, and once again, player number 18 finds the net to extend the lead.
It’s 0-2 for the visiting side, who will head into halftime with confidence.
The home team is starting to look desperate.
It’s 0-2 for the visiting side, who will head into halftime with confidence.
The home team is starting to look desperate.
The pace from the opening minutes has slowed down. Guatemala controls the ball, but Panama takes advantage of their attacking opportunities.
Now, whenever the visiting team has possession, the home crowd falls silent.
We’re just waiting to know how many added minutes will be played in this first half.
Now, whenever the visiting team has possession, the home crowd falls silent.
We’re just waiting to know how many added minutes will be played in this first half.
Panama seemed to score their second goal of the night, but the assistant referee quickly raised the flag.
It was only a scare for the home team and their fans, who watched their goal nearly beaten again.
The offside call gives them a lifeline with five minutes left before halftime.
It was only a scare for the home team and their fans, who watched their goal nearly beaten again.
The offside call gives them a lifeline with five minutes left before halftime.
The first goal did not stop the home team from continuing to dominate the match, as both the play and the goal came from a moment of lack of focus by the Guatemalan side and from the decisiveness of the Panamanian player.
Even so, the game has been controlled by the home team.
The excitement dipped a bit at El Trébol, but the crowd is gradually bringing the energy and joy back to their players.
Even so, the game has been controlled by the home team.
The excitement dipped a bit at El Trébol, but the crowd is gradually bringing the energy and joy back to their players.
GOOOOAL⚽ ⚽ Panama ⚽ ⏱️31'
The visiting team manages to silence El Trébol Stadium. After a play inside the six-yard box, a rebound fell perfectly for player number 18, Waterman, who struck the ball cleanly to make it 0-1 in favor of Panama.
Panamanian fans celebrate wildly inside the stadium in Guatemala City.
Panamanian fans celebrate wildly inside the stadium in Guatemala City.
A chant can be heard that seems to say: "olé, olé, olé… Gualte, Gualte…".
The crowd never stops cheering. Panama’s goalkeeper is playing high, almost outside his box, quickly stepping out to intervene in nearby plays. This could become dangerous if Guatemala launches a sudden attacking move.
The crowd never stops cheering. Panama’s goalkeeper is playing high, almost outside his box, quickly stepping out to intervene in nearby plays. This could become dangerous if Guatemala launches a sudden attacking move.
The energy from the home crowd is truly contagious. Guatemala’s players are controlling the match, and the fans loudly claim every call in their team’s favor. The score remains tied, but the game is exciting and full of intensity.
Guatemala is trying to keep the ball on the ground and pushes forward toward Panama’s goal, advancing patiently. Meanwhile, a player is down at midfield after a hard collision while fighting for the ball.
The fouls keep piling up, and this match is starting to look like it won’t end with all 11 players on each side, as every foul comes with shoving, protests, and provocations. The crowd is loud and fully behind their team, reacting to every call. We reach the 20th minute in a match filled with more clashes and fouls than real threats on goal.
After a foul at midfield, a heated confrontation broke out between two players who exchanged plenty of words. Both teams quickly joined the clash, turning the moment tense and chaotic. The referee had to step in, calm everyone down, and separate the players before things escalated even further.
The match has become very choppy, with players committing fouls to slow down the pace, turning the game into a stop-and-go battle. In the stands, fans complain about every call from the referee, adding tension to the atmosphere. Everything suggests this game might end with several yellow cards… or maybe even a red before the full ninety minutes.
Panama has tried to take control in these opening minutes, with both teams pushing hard from the very start. As mentioned earlier, the match is being played at a frenetic pace. In the stands, fans whistle and cheer every time their team gets the ball, creating a lively atmosphere at El Trébol.
The Match Kicks Off
The visiting team won the coin toss, and the ball is officially rolling at El Trébol.
The referee blows the opening whistle, and the match begins with high intensity from the very first minute, while fireworks and the crowd’s celebration create an electric atmosphere to start the game.
Anthems Done, Kickoff Moments Away!
Panama’s national team sings their anthem and will be playing tonight in all black, while Guatemala takes the field in white with their traditional diagonal sash.
With the anthems finished and the coin toss completed, the ball is just seconds away from rolling in these CONCACAF qualifiers.
With the anthems finished and the coin toss completed, the ball is just seconds away from rolling in these CONCACAF qualifiers.
In the stands, flags from both Central American nations wave proudly.
The match is about to begin.
The match is about to start
Both teams are now heading out for the pre-match protocol ceremonies. The football atmosphere at El Trébol is absolutely electric, as the home crowd welcomes their team with great energy on this World Cup qualifying night in CONCACAF. We are moments away from kickoff in the match between Guatemala and Panama.
Both teams are already on the Clover Field. After completing their warm-ups, everything is set for the protocol ceremonies, where the players will greet each other, sing the national anthems, and participate in the coin toss that will decide who kicks off.
Weather Guatemala City
The late afternoon and evening in Guatemala City bring pleasant yet noticeably cool weather. The temperature sits at a comfortable 23°C, while the high humidity level of 83% and mostly cloudy skies add to the fresh, slightly damp feeling in the air. It’s an ideal setting for relaxed activities, though it may feel cooler as the night progresses.
Panama’s substitutes
Panama’s substitutes have also been confirmed. They will be responsible for bringing fresh energy to the team and changing the course of the match if needed. The players selected by head coach Thomas Christiansen are:
L. Mejía, J. Ramos, I. Anderson, J. L. Rodríguez, T. Rodríguez, I. Díaz, C. Samudio, E. Cedeño, J. Fajardo, A. Quintero, O. Browne, J. Gutiérrez.
Guatemala’s substitutes
Guatemala’s substitutes have also been confirmed. They’ll be the players called upon to add energy or shift the momentum if the match requires it. The options selected by head coach Luis Fernando Tena are:
Navarro, Morán, Estrada, Muñoz, Ramírez, Altán, Saravia, Castellanos, Lom, Ordoñez, Escobar, Santis.
Guatemala Lineup
Guatemala’s head coach, Luis Fernando Tena, has confirmed the team’s approximate formation for this match: 4-2-3-1, based on the coach’s preferred system.
Goalkeeper:
Nicholas Hagen
Defenders:
Áaron Herrera, José Pinto (Captain), José Ardón, José Morales
Midfielders:
Stheven Robles, Jonathan Franco, Oscar Santis, Antonio López, José Rosales
Forward:
Rubio Rubin
Panama Lineup
Panama’s head coach, Thomas Christiansen, has confirmed the team’s approximate formation for this match: 3-4-3, based on the coach’s preferred system.
Goalkeeper:
O. Mosquera
Defenders:
C. Blackman, F. Escobar, C. Martínez
Midfielders:
A. Andrade, A. Carrasquilla, E. Davis, C. Harvey
Forwards:
A. Londoño, C. Waterman, A. Godoy (Captain)
Stadium Atmosphere
At the Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera, better known as “El Trébol,” a large crowd is expected to support their team. Fans are anticipated to show great enthusiasm tonight, and supporters are already arriving at this iconic venue of Guatemalan football.
Lineups Confirmed
The lineups have been confirmed by both coaches, who will aim to secure the 3 points in this CONCACAF qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup next year. We will soon share each team’s lineup for the Guatemala vs Panama.
Guatemala Head Coach
The head coach of the Guatemala men’s national football team is Mexican Luis Fernando Tena, who took charge in August 2021 with the goal of consolidating the team in regional competitions and strengthening the youth selection process. His management has been marked by improved performance in tournaments like the Gold Cup, reaching the semifinals consecutively.
Panama Head Coach
The head coach of the Panama men’s national football team is the Spanish-Danish Thomas Christiansen. He took charge in 2020 and has achieved important milestones for the team, including reaching three CONCACAF Nations League Finals, qualifying for the quarterfinals of the 2024 Copa América, and finishing as runners-up in the 2023 Gold Cup.
Guatemalan players dropped to the turf in frustration, while the Panamanians celebrated a hard-fought and valuable victory.
It was an exciting match in this Concacaf Qualifiers fixture. Thank you for joining us for this broadcast, and we’ll see you next time here on VAVEL.