There were a lot of expectations for this friendly soccer game between Panama and Argentina. The Panamanian soccer team played very well in the first half of the match against the argentinian squad despite of the pressure that the argentinians were putting on the ball. At the 27th minute, striker Matias De Federico scored the first goal for the South American team. However, two minutes later the Panamanian Nelson Barahona silenced the stadium crowd by scoring a long distance goal. Maradona´s facial expression changed dramatically after seeing his goalie being beaten. Things got level and the game turned to be more interesting. Just before the end of the first half, striker Gonzalo Bergessio headed the ball into the net after a corner kick taken by Matias De Federico.
 
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Before all the prognoses the Panama selection overthrew the champion of the area Costa Rica, and it became for the first time champion of the Cup of Nations DIGICEL. The Panamanians celebrated an end with flavor of revenge and won the favorites by the route of the penitentiaries with a marker of 5 – 3. The final, played in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa, ended in a 0-0 tie after regulation. It was the first championship victory in the history for the Panamanian selection.

When was seen by international television the victory of the selection of Panama, the Panamanians get ready to celebrate the title with a great caravan of vehicles crossing the 50th street; one of the main routes of the Panama City. Panama filled of joy and celebration with the victory of the national team. Hundreds of happy Panamanians and dressed with red t-shirts filled the 50th street and other streets near the same. It did not matter that was Sunday, the Panamanians decided to party all night the triumph with music, drinks and dance demonstrating to the entire world that the one that persevere reaches. Panama has become cradle of champions in different competitions throughout the last year and in soccer was not the exception.

Congratulations to the 2009 team champion, the Panama selection, and to the red tide that throughout the years has supported the team to the 100%.

During the eliminatory round for de Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup the concept of the “Red Tied” was created and it becomes an intense concept of identity for the Panamanian sport history.  One country united in the most positive way and which gave the fans a new way to express their passion for soccer and Panama National Team.

Panama was on eliminatory rounds to go to South Africa 2010.  Every game the fans get together and they covered the stadiums and streets with the human red tide.  Sports bar, restaurants, houses and clubs were open to the party of the town cheering and supporting their team.  Wide screen TVs, high quality sound systems and a festive atmosphere characterized the best place to watch the game.  Plenty of fun, food, and drinks contribute to makes this social phenomenon very enjoyable and entertaining.

Panama’s National Team had travel to El Salvador to face its opponent on foreign turf.  Many people had gather together to follow on their team footsteps and joined the game.  There was a lot on stake for Panama who is still a newbie in comparison to other more experience teams like Colombia.  Although Panamanians’ players are less known in the soccer world, they do have great stars like Julio Cesar Dely Valdez, who played in countries like Uruguay, Italy, and France; and the late Rommel Fernandez, a forward who played on the Spanish clubs C.D TENERIFE, VALENCIA C.F and ALBACETE.

In last night game in Cuscatlán Stadium, the red tide left their last hope.  Panama was eliminated of the rounds. In my opinion, this covers El Salvador’s win with shame.  They didn’t just win; they had to harass the Panamanian players.  The El Salvador Fans did not behave like civil people.  And where was the Mexican arbitrage to call the faults?  He indeed was very fast to give red cards to the Panamanian players who didn’t even touch the other player.  I’m wondering if the FIFA was watching the game.

The Red Tide is still beating hard in every Panamanian heart.  This time may have not been the best for Panama’s National Team, but perhaps they are closer to become the Cinderella of soccer.  We can only wait for the red tide to grow stronger and confident to take its place in the soccer world.