Historic Panama reaches Gold Cup semis

After a game marred by a flurry of  yellow and red cards,  dives,  and poor refereeing, Panama advanced on Sunday June 19, to the semi finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011.

Panama, who seemed less coordinated than when defeating the United States 2-1 and becoming top of Group C, to reach the quarter finals, defeated El Salvador in a penalty shoot out  at the  Robert F.Kennedy, Stadium in Washington.

After regular time and overtime the score stood at 1-1, and Panama came out 5-3 in the shoot out, thanks to the superb goal keeping of Jaime Penedo.

Panama will now continue its record breaking run, taking on the U.S. for the second time in the tournament. The U.S. defeated Jamaica in the quarter finals. 

The victor will go on to meet the winner of the other semi-final between Mexico and Honduras.

Fathers' Day celebrations reduced  attendance at local sports bars on Sunday , but It's going to be bonanza time at the next game, and for Panama supporters, after the joy of victory, a tension filled start to the week.

The semi final will be played at Houston, on Wednesday, and if you want to occupy your favorite seat at your local watering hole, you had better check in soon after lunch for the evening game which starts at 6 p.m. Panama time.