'It's easy to judge when you're on the other side' - Panama's José Córdoba breaks his silence on conceding penalty to Mexico in Nations League Final

José Córdoba, the Panamanian defender whose 89th-minute handball led to Mexico’s game-winning penalty in the Nations League Final, has spoken out about his costly mistake. With the match tied 1-1 and on the verge of extra time, his error shifted the outcome at SoFi Stadium.

Raúl Jiménez converted the penalty, securing El Tri’s first-ever title in the competition’s history.

“It’s easy to judge when you’re on the other side of the situation… But everyone should understand that in life, there are moments that escape our control. It was a mistake - nothing was intentional. Seeing our dream of winning a possible title with my national team slip away because of a play I was involved in was heartbreaking, but unfortunately, that’s how it happened. I will continue to fight in every match I play for my country. I am grateful to the entire nation for their unconditional support, for always being there, following every game, and cheering for us from afar. I WILL NEVER GIVE UP,” wrote the Norwich City player.

José Córdoba spoke for the first time after the mistake he made in the Nations League Final, where Panama lost 2-1 to Mexico. The Norwich City defender has received a significant amount of hate messages, which he shared with the public on his social media account. Some of the message have even called for an investigation into potential sports betting involvement.

He should never wear the Panama jersey again, José Córdoba is a thief, betting is killing football were among the reactions circulating after his costly error.

Despite the criticism, Córdoba’s statement - where he insisted the handball was unintentional - was well received by his supporters. Many fans rallied behind him, recognizing his status as one of Panama’s key football figures due to his experience playing in Europe.

Thomas Christiansen, Panama’s head coach, has lost six of his seven matches against Mexico, including the 2023 Gold Cup final, where El Tri won 1-0 with a goal from Santiago Giménez. His best result against Mexico was a 1-1 draw at the Rommel Fernández Stadium during the 2021 World Cup Qualifiers.

The Nations League final also marked Panama’s sixth final in the last 20 years, highlighting the country’s significant football growth. Los Canaleros have reached three Gold Cup finals (2005, 2013, and 2023).

Christiansen's team achieved its best result in the Nations League to date. Los Canaleros will play two World Cup qualifying matches in June against Belize and Nicaragua. After that, they will focus on the Gold Cup, a tournament in which they reached the final in 2023 but lost to Mexico. Panama has grown significantly on the international stage and is aiming to win its first major title in 88 years. Their first and only title came in the 1951 Central American and Caribbean Championship (CCCF).