Panama are furious after Andres Guardado scored two penalties to lead Mexico to a controversial 2-1 extra-time victory over them in Atlanta, and have openly accused the CONCACEF of corruption.
Mensaje de los jugadores de Panamá @fepafut a @CONCACAF ¡Ladrones! ¡Corruptos! pic.twitter.com/rp8unSNipt
— Futbología (@futbologia) July 23, 2015
The Panama team hold up a banner declaring the CONCACEF ‘corrupt thieves’.
Panama overcame the first-half dismissal of Luis Tejada to take the lead in the 57th minute of the tournament semi-final through Roman Torres, who tucked home Eric Davis’ cross from close range after the Mexico defence failed to adequately clear a corner.
Panama were on the cusp of reaching their third Gold Cup final until Torres handled in the area in the 89th minute and Guardado stepped up to convert his first penalty, some 10 minutes after the 90-minute mark as Panama’s players disputed referee Mark Geiger’s call.
Extra time ensued at the Georgia Dome and, after a goalless first period, PSV Eindhoven winger Guardado slotted his second spot kick of the match in the first minute of the second period, after Panama defender Harold Cummings felled Javier Orozco, to send Mexico into Sunday’s final in Philadelphia.
In the dressing room afterwards the Panama team held up a banner declaring the CONCACEF ‘corrupt thieves’ and there have been further complaints online about the result.
I had never seen a game that was so blatantly FIXED like tonight's Mexico vs Panama. Shame on you @CONCACAF! #TodosConPanama
— Pradiip Alvarez (@GlobalVzla) July 23, 2015
Tonight was a very bad day for soccer and for CONCACAF #SadTweet #TheBeautifulGameNeedsToComeBack
— Mikey Lopez (@MLopez12_5) July 23, 2015
When I searched "ladrones" ("thieves") on twitter to see about Panama banner, the one official account that came up was @CONCACAF. #apropos
— Paul Kennedy (@pkedit) July 23, 2015
Machado, player from Panama the realest for calling out @CONCACAF on national TV 😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/CixtXPVPuD
— Marcos Ochoa Jr. (@MarcosOchoaJr) July 23, 2015
Nine-time champions Mexico will face Jamaica at Lincoln Financial Field after the Reggae Boyz claimed a major upset with a 2-1 defeat over defending champions the United States to reach their first-ever Gold Cup final.