Thierry Henry’s face ‘priceless’ as Panama ace celebrates winner vs USA with Arsenal icon
Thierry Henry was left stunned as the CBS pundit was mobbed by Panama players celebrating Cecilio Waterman’s injury-time match-winner to shock the USA
Thierry Henry was left in shock when he found himself at the centre of Panama’s celebrations following their thrilling Concacaf Nations League semi-final victory over the USA on Thursday night.
The match was goalless until Cecilio Waterman broke the deadlock with a last-minute goal to stun the hosts and fans inside the SoFi Stadium in California.
Henry, who was providing analysis for CBS alongside Kate Abdo and former USA international Clint Dempsey, was seated on a platform just behind the USA goal.
And as soon as Waterman’s 94th minute strike found the back of the net, the ex-Arsenal star was swarmed by the jubilant Panama team.
Initially, Henry appeared bewildered by the unexpected celebration, but it soon became clear that the Panama players were eager to share their joy with him, with goalscorer Waterman even heard telling the legendary French striker “You’re my idol”.
Waterman later explained the impromptu celebration during his post-match interview, saying: “Last night, at the team hotel, I was asked, ‘Who is your idol?’ and I said, ‘It’s always been Thierry Henry.’
“I watched him play at Arsenal, and the truth is, ever since I was a young kid, he has been an inspiration for me. When I scored the goal, I saw you and knew I had to come say hi.”
The Panama star also revealed that Henry had agreed to send him one of his iconic Arsenal shirts in return for one of his own. Henry signed Waterman’s match-winning shirt, with a dejected Dempsey holding the jersey for him.
Fans on social media lauded Henry’s reaction as “Priceless.” While a second said: “This is one of the COLDEST CELEBRATIONS and one of the most COOLEST things I have ever seen in Football.”
Another quipped: “Poor Clint Dempsey being forced to watch upclose; and then made to hold the shirt as Cecilio Waterman signed it…for Thierry Henry. Cold.
The emotional scenes topped off a historic night for Panama as they booked their place in the Concacaf Nations League final against Mexico after dumping out next year’s World Cup hosts.
The result is hugely disappointing for the USMNT and pressure has been piled on Mauricio Pochettino as he attempts to prepare his squad for next summer.
In his post-match comments, Pochettino didn’t hold back in criticising his players, slamming: “They were hungry. They fight for the game, every single player, for every single ball. From the touchline, you feel that was the difference.
“We didn’t compete in the way that the game required. I feel so disappointed. We all feel disappointed. If you don’t have aggression, it’s impossible.
“You are going to play safe. You are not going to take risks. If you want to play football, you need to take risks. You need to go forward. You need to win 50-50 balls sometimes.”
