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WATCH: Panama’s Home Call, Celebrations of First World Cup Goal

Forget the scoreboard. Panama had plenty to celebrate with the nation's first World Cup goal in its football history.

Luis Miguel Echegaray

WATCH: Panama’s Home Call, Celebrations of First World Cup Goal
WATCH: Panama’s Home Call, Celebrations of First World Cup Goal /

Forget the scoreboard. There was still plenty to celebrate for Panama.

Despite being routed in its second World Cup match ever, the Central American nation passionately celebrated its first goal at a World Cup against England. The joyous goal came in the 78th minute–with Panama trailing 6-0–after Felipe Baloy capitalized from a free kick and pounced to place it past England stopper Jordan Pickford. The emotional home broadcast on TV Max says it all:

The goal was nothing but a consolation for Panama, which was eliminated from the tournament with a game to spare, but make no mistake about it, it was a significant moment for the nation as Baloy's finish was felt across Panama. 

In bars, restaurants and outside the streets, fans cheered for their nation after scoring against a European giant. 

Panama fans in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, were also felt and heard. 

Panama still has room for another famous first at the World Cup–a win. It'll close its run in Russia against Tunisia before returning home, where its supporters will undoubtedly provide a hero's welcome regardless of the result. 

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Luis Miguel Echegaray
LUIS MIGUEL ECHEGARAY

Luis Miguel Echegaray is a reporter, producer and head of Latino/Spanish content with Sports Illustrated. He is also an adjunct professor at CUNY Graduate School of Journalism.

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