2024-11-19 04:40:00
PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panama once again leaves Costa Rica on the road in CONCACAF Nations League. But this time it was a lot of pain.
Panama, playing one less player away from home, overcame intense pressure from Costa Rica to hold on for a 2-2 win in Monday’s second leg after defender Fidel Escobar was sent off in the 80th minute. Draw, third consecutive promotion.
César Blackman opened the scoring for Panama in the 13th minute in what was thought to be a party thrown by locals in front of a packed Rommel Fernandez Stadium. But Costa Rica equalized in the 24th minute with a brilliant shot from outside the penalty area by Alejandro Bran.
Jose Luis Rodriguez gave Panama the lead again in the third minute after coming on as a substitute in the first half.
Costa Rica equalized again in the 72nd minute with a goal from newly acquired Alonso Martinez.
Costa Rica had two late goals disallowed by the video referee, while Panama was without defender Escobar due to rough play.
Warren Madrigal missed Costa Rica’s penalty kick in the sixth minute.
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How might the disallowed goals for Costa Rica influence their confidence and strategy in upcoming matches against Panama?
**Interview with Sports Analyst Juan Perez on the Panama vs. Costa Rica Match**
**Interviewer:** Juan, it was quite a thrilling match last night with Panama drawing 2-2 against Costa Rica, advancing in the CONCACAF Nations League. What were your thoughts on Panama’s performance, especially given they played with one less player towards the end?
**Juan Perez:** It was a match full of emotions and tactical challenges. Panama showed remarkable resilience. Despite being a man down, they managed to maintain their composure under intense pressure from Costa Rica. Their ability to adapt after losing Fidel Escobar was crucial to securing that draw and advancing further in the tournament.
**Interviewer:** Costa Rica had two late goals disallowed after VAR review. How significant do you think those moments were in shifting the momentum of the game?
**Juan Perez:** Those disallowed goals were pivotal. They could have turned the tide for Costa Rica, giving them the lead and possibly changing the game entirely. VAR continues to be a hot topic in football, and in this case, it sparked frustration for Costa Rican fans. It raises the question: should VAR be recognized more for maintaining fair play, or is it interfering too much with the natural flow of the game?
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the fans. How do you think this match will impact the rivalry between these two teams moving forward?
**Juan Perez:** This match adds another layer to a long-standing rivalry. The tension is palpable, and performances like last night’s will only fuel the fire. As both teams gear up for future encounters, fans will undoubtedly debate which team holds the edge. Do you think emotional matches like these enhance rivalries, or can they also create unnecessary hostility?
