Panama president announces public holiday after qualification for first ever World Cup with Costa Rica victory

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The President of Panama has confirmed that Wednesday will be a public holiday for the nation's citizens following their historic World Cup qualification. 

Panama defeated already qualified Costa Rica 2-1 on Tuesday to secure a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia for the first time in the country's history. 

The holiday allows all public and private workers the day off work as well as allowing schools to be closed for the day.

Panama left supporters in shock after securing a World Cup place for the first time

President Juan Carlos Varela signs for a national holiday after their historic qualification

According to the BBC, President Juan Carlos Varela posted an image of himself signing off the holiday and wrote: 'The voice of the people has been heard... Tomorrow will be a national holiday.

'You deserve it,' he added in a series of celebratory tweets. 

Panama were attempting to qualify after 10 successive failed qualification campaigns - beginning in 1978 - but their last-gasp victory over their neighbouring country Costa Rica saw them through.

But while they celebrated, USA commiserated as they failed to qualify for football's crown jewel for the first time since 1986 after defeat by bottom-side Trinidad and Tobago.

The central-American nation were 2-1 victorious over Costa Rica on Tuesday

A last-gasp winner by Roman Torres saw them qualify after 10 failed attempts, starting in 1978

Panama leapfrogged USA and Honduras into the last automatic qualification spot

An 87th minute winner struck by Roman Torres knocked America out and secured a ticket to Russia 2018 for the small nation, but it was the 54th minute that stole the headlines.

Panama were trailing 1-0 before a 54th minute 'ghost' equaliser, which appeared to not cross the line, leveled the tie.

Unknown as to why - but the goal was given and gave Panama a lifeline, which was duly taken shortly before the final whistle. 

It was a victory that left the players and supporters in a state of shock

The victory left supporters, citizens and players alike to celebrate through the night