Panama's players usually complained about how refs had a hand in their eliminations from Gold Cup games and previous World Cup matches. Today, the tables have turned and Los Canaleros have to thank the linesman for a rather questionable call that gave them the chance to fight for -and eventually win- their ticket to the 2018 tournament.
Hernán Gomez's men were trailing against Costa Rica after 1 hour of playing time. A corner kick was placed inside Los Ticos' small box, and Blas Pérez tried to score. As he fell due to a foul, the ball never crossed the line, but protests by Los Canaleros' players forced the ref to change his decision and grant them an undeserved goal.
#RumboAlMundial REVIVE el tanto de Blas Pérez para igualar el encuentro #PAN 1-1 #CRC pic.twitter.com/9LWEj4pssj
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) October 11, 2017
A late goal by Roman Torres sealed the deal for Panama, increasing the amount of teams ready to play their first World Cup next year.