- February, 01 2009 -
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February 1st - TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS: Against all odds the Panamanian national soccer team dethroned the regional champions Costa Rica and became champions of the Copa de Naciones DIGICEL for the first time.
The match had to be decided by way of a penalty shootout after the match finished 0-0. The Panamanians celebrated their victory over the favourites Costa Rica beating them 5-4 on penalties.
Panama have now really made a strong statement in Central American football chipping away at the dominance that Costa Rica have recently had within the region.
Victor Herrera, Edwin Aguilar, Ricardo Phillips, Luis Jaramillo and Amilcar Enriquez were the Panamanian heroes succeeded in converting their penalty kicks; meanwhile the Costa Rican Paolo Jimenez became a villain in the eyes of his countrymen after missing the penalty kick which cost them being crowned Champions.
Costa Rica began the match in a dominant fashion, but the Panamanian defense once again showed real strength. The Panamanians started to link up well, putting together some slick attacking moves. There were moments when the Costa Rica goal keeper, Ricardo Gonzales was put under significant pressure.
Armando Rodriguez, showed some fantastic individual skill and penetrated deep into the Costa Rica half to deliver an accurate pass to Armando Gun, who unfortunately delivered a weak shot on goal and missed what in hindsight was a clear opportunity to give Panama the lead.
Minutes later, Panama were awarded a free kick just outside the box, Nelson Barahona stepped up and struck a stunning shot which brought out the best in Gonzales who pulled out an acrobatic save to keep the scores tied at 0-0.
During the second half of the game, Costa Rican technical director Rodrigo Kenton strengthened their attacking force by introducing Victor Nunez. The pace and skill of Nunez upfront really gave the Costa Rica fans belief.
Panama did not back off, they continued in their quest for a goal and launched countless attacking moves. Gabriel Torres stole the ball from defender Aplizar and had a powerful shot at the goal. Once again, Gonzales had to be at his very best. Both goal keepers came under relentless pressure as the match went on.
On 90 minutes the match finished stale mate and was to be decided by the penalty spot. This resulted in Panama being victorious counting five successful penalty kicks against Costa Rica’s four and Panama went on to lift the Copa de Naciones Digicel trophy.
For more information on the Copa de Naciones Digicel, logon to www.digicelfootball.com
TEAM LINEUP
Costa Rica: 23. Ricardo González, 4. Michael Umaña, 5. Cristian Oviedo, 7. Alejandro Alpizar (16. Pablo Brenes minute 60), 11. Andy Furtado, 12. Leonardo González, 15. Jorge Brown, 17. Pablo Herrera (14. Paolo Jiménez minute 69), 19. Carlos Jhonson, 22. Álvaro Sánchez (21. Víctor Núñez minute 46).
Panamá: 1. Jaime Penedo, 2. Carlos Rivera, 4. José Torres, 5. Manuel Torres, 6. Amilcar Enríquez, 8. Gabriel Torres (11. Víctor Herrera minute 70), 9. Orlando Rodríguez (7. Edwin Aguilar minute 55), 10. Nelson Barahona (20. Luis Jaramillo minute 85), 13. Alonso Machado, 14. Armando Gun, 15. Ricardo Phillips.
Referee: Carlos Batres (Guatemala)
ABOUT DIGICEL GROUP
Since its launch in 2001, Digicel has become the largest wireless telecommunications operator in the Caribbean with more than six million customers. After seven years, Digicel is renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services and state-of-the-art handsets. By offering innovative wireless services and community support, Digicel has become a leading brand in the Caribbean and has placed the region at the cutting-edge of wireless communications – the company is also a new entrant to the Central American market.
Since its launch in 2001, Digicel has become the largest wireless telecommunications operator in the Caribbean with more than six million customers. After seven years, Digicel is renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services and state-of-the-art handsets. By offering innovative wireless services and community support, Digicel has become a leading brand in the Caribbean and has placed the region at the cutting-edge of wireless communications – the company is also a new entrant to the Central American market.
Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and now has operations in 31 markets worldwide. Its Caribbean and Central American markets comprise Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Panama, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks & Caicos. The Caribbean company also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barths. Digicel Pacific comprises Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.
Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean and Central American sports teams, including the West Indies Cricket Team and Special Olympics teams throughout the region. Digicel is also title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Championships and the Copa de Naciones Digicel, which are the Caribbean and Central American qualifiers to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
