A dramatic 87th-minute goal from Román Torres booked Panama's ticket to the 2018 FIFA World Cup as Los Canaleros defeated Costa Rica 2-1. This is Panama’s first trip to a World Cup.
By virtue of the United States’ 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago and Honduras' 3-2 win over Mexico, the U.S. fell to fifth in the CONCACAF standings and was eliminated from World Cup Qualifying. This marks the first time since 1986 that the U.S. national team has not qualified for the World Cup.
Torres' goal was a spectacular one as he outran a Costa Rican defender 1-v-1 and volleyed home a right-footed shot from 10 yards out before being mauled by his teammates at Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama.
Roman Torres with a golazo for @fepafut!
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) October 11, 2017
If the results stand, it's heartbreak for the U.S. & an unbelievable moment for Torres and Panama. pic.twitter.com/2ZpcIDSpph