Panama gearing up to cheer soccer team to sporting history

Landon Donovan the international midfielder captaining the U.S. team  to meet Panama in the semi finals of the CONCAFA Gold cup promises no more surprises for his team. 

But fans in Panama City, and across the country,  will be assembling in bars, restaurants and homes to cheer on their team to prove him wrong.

In the qualifying rounds the favored U.S. players lost 2-1,  Panama’s  first ever victory over the northern team. The boys in red went on to tie Canada 1-1, and emerge top of their qualifying group.

Against El Salvador, in the quarter finals Panama was taken to extra time, and finally won in a penalty shoot out. “We had a bad surprise Panama in the first round of Group C and now we have learned our lesson," Donovan said after the last training night on Tuesday, June 21.

Donovan, 29,  has  played in 134 international games and  has scored 45 goals.

Donovan  was not dismayed by the earlier performance of his team: "On the contrary, we demonstrated great skills . playing on the cross but,  if we are not focused from the first minute of the game will regenerate our problems, "said Donovan. "Now we know what we must do”

Donovan acknowledged that of the more than 60 000 spectators that will pack the stands of the Reliant Stadium in Houston, most of the followers will give their support to Latino Panama. But, he says, the U.S, they will also have thousands of supporters. "I have no doubt that we will have a great atmosphere at Reliant Stadium with fans  that will give us their support”.

He refused to speculate  on the possibility of final rematch against Mexico defending champions, Mexico who will play Hinduras in the second game of the doubleheader is facing Honduras.

Donovan said first  both teams have to win both their respective semi-finals. " The challenge will not be easy for both teams, but if we come back to the final Mexico has shown that it is the team to beat.”

Panama’s  head coach, Julio Cesar Dely Valdes, said his team was ready for the  new game with the United States.

Medanwhile in Panama, if you plan to visit a sports bar to watch the game, which starts at 6 p.m. local time, be sure to arrive early. Thousands will be gathering to watch Panama make soccer history, and it’s likely that while the bars will be packed, rush hour traffic will also benefit as sport on the field takes over from jousting in traffic.