Thierry Henry is known worldwide for the goals he scored while playing for France, Arsenal, Juventus, Barcelona, Monaco, and later the New York Red Bulls. As a young boy, Cecilio Waterman watched him closely—and then, his dream came true.On the night between Thursday and Friday (local time), Panama faced the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal in California. The hosts were clear favorites, but the visitors pulled off a stunning upset. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, 34-year-old forward Cecilio Waterman, who plays for Chilean club Coquimbo Unido, scored the decisive goal, securing Panama’s 1-0 victory and a place in the final against Mexico.Henry on Mbappe: He frustrates the team, it can’t get any worse!The experienced striker reacted brilliantly, sending a low shot from the right side into the far corner past the helpless Matt Turner. The Crystal Palace goalkeeper stretched as far as he could, but it wasn’t enough. What followed was sheer ecstasy among the Panamanian players. Waterman ripped off his jersey and ran over the barriers—where he spotted Henry. Without hesitation, he climbed up onto the platform where the French legend was sitting as a CBS Sports pundit.At first, Henry looked confused, even a bit startled, as he saw the Panamanian forward approaching him with wide eyes. But as other players joined in, a big smile appeared on his face.”In an interview before the match, they asked me who my childhood idol was, and I said Thierry Henry. When I scored, I saw him and knew I had to go say hello,” Waterman explained.“You’re my idol, You’re my idol” Waterman to Thierry Henry after scoring the winner for Panama. 🇵🇦👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/rq6yFK70nI— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) March 21, 2025 The joyful celebration from the Panamanian squad perfectly complemented their massive victory, leaving the U.S. team in disbelief. Mauricio Pochettino’s side had come into the match on a four-game winning streak, but this loss serves as a warning for the Americans, who have big ambitions for the 2026 World Cup. As one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico, the U.S. is hoping to surpass its best-ever finish from 2002, when the team reached the quarterfinals in Japan and South Korea.##NAJAVA_MECA_8796802##
