On a dramatic evening in qualifiers across the globe, there was one light-hearted moment to chuckle at as the Central American nation reached their first ever tournament finals appearance
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PANAMA stunned the globe to reach their first-ever World Cup finals spot following their controversial 2-1 win over Costa Rica on Tuesday night.
A "ghost goal" saw the Central Americans come from behind to snatch a win, while the USA lost by the same scoreline to minnows Trinidad and Tobago to miss out on Russia completely.
While many considered the referees to have helped Panama out on their historic evening... one substitute certainly did.
With the clock ticking over to 90 minutes, the ball went out of play for a Costa Rica throw-in.
Before the player could reach the ball however, a desperate Panama bench-warmer charged down the touchline to beat him to it.
Rather than waste a second or two by picking it up and handing it over slowly, he channelled his inner-Peter Kay to launch it high into the stands.
The crowd erupted in cheers at the outrageous stunt... just as the fourth-official held up the board for added time.
Of course, Panama clung on to a famous, albeit chequered, victory to ensure their spot in Russia next summer.
The result was bad news for the US however, as Bruce Arena's side failed to reach the finals of the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
While some suggested the Americans could appeal the Panama goal, the side's press officer Michael Kammarman revealed they would not.
He said: "As far as I know there is no recourse. Decisions of the referee are final."
However, according to CONCACAF, a complaint can be filed by "parties directly affected by a decision" within three weeks.
On the defeat, US boss Arena said: "We had everything there for us. We failed on the day. No excuses. We failed today.
"We should have walked off this field with at least a point. We should not be staying at home for this World Cup and I take responsibility."
