‘Felipe Baloy scores. Panama make history. The whole country explodes’ | Fernando Cuenco

In Panama City thousands gather in the early morning to watch the ‘Sele’ take on England and in the hearts of everyone Baloy’s ‘consolation’ makes it 1-0 to La Marea Roja

5am, around the Rommel Fernández Stadium. An unusual encounter on the Vía España for a Sunday before dawn. On the one hand there are those who got up early, gathered in groups of friends and families; on the other night owls who come from nightclubs and bars celebrating their Panamanian Saturday night fever, as a preamble to a historic event: the confrontation of the “Sele” with the inventors of football – the English.

6am, dawn in Panama and the stadium’s parking lot begins to fill to the sound of the Dianas, a tribute to the homeland that combines military rigidity and popular music. Street vendors rush to sell breakfast: hojaldras, carimañolas or tortillas, which they deliver to their customers in napkins and paper bags. The time is approaching.

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