Panama's president has declared Wednesday a national holiday after the country secured World Cup qualification for the first time in their history.
Hernan Dario Gomez's men looked set to miss out on even an intercontinental play-off spot as they were level 1-1 with Costa Rica in Panama City, the hosts having equalised as Gabriel Torres' close-range effort cancelled out Johan Venegas' opener for Costa Rica.
But, three minutes from time, Roman Torres sent Estadio Rommel Fernandez into delirium, the defender bursting on to a header forward and lashing the ball home to make history for Panama at the expense of USA, who lost 2-1 to Trinidad and Tobago.
Panama progress to the finals, while Honduras' victory sends them into a play-off with Australia, and president Juan Carlos Varela has elected to let the country celebrate the historic moment for a further 24 hours.
Juan Carlos Varela posted on Twitter: "The voice of the people has been heard; celebrate this historic day for Panama. Tomorrow [Wednesday] is a national holiday.
"It is a historic day for the country. Tomorrow will be free for the public and private sector workers.
"On a national holiday, also classes are suspended at the country's private and public schools, celebrate family."
¡Celebra Panamá, esta es tu victoria! October 11, 2017
