Ever since the Canadian men’s national soccer team arrived in Panama City on Sunday ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifying match, the Panamanian fans have been determined to keep the players distracted.
A street party endorsed the Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT) that started on Sunday continued into the early hours on Tuesday, only hours before Canada plays Panama on Tuesday in a crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifiers game that can be seen on Sportsnet ONE at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Watch as fans outside of Team Canada’s hotel party and set off fireworks:
Soccer Canada said they are disappointed in what is happening but understand things like this are a reality during World Cup Qualifiers in CONCACAF.
Shocking scenes here in Panama City. Hundreds of Panamanian fans gathered outside team hotel. Noise is deafening. #canMNT
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) September 11, 2012
Fireworks, sirens, blazing speakers, instruments and more. The ‘Marea Roja’ are determined to disrupt #canMNT‘s pre-match sleep.
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) September 11, 2012
Certainly no ‘fair play’ in sight. Police and officials standing by as the madness unfolds. #canMNT
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) September 11, 2012
And if you thought the party was dying down. Think again, flares are out in full force. We will have a new batch of scenes shortly. #canMNT
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) September 11, 2012
It must be said that it is disappointing that @fepafut would promote and endorse this event. But such is the reality of WCQs in CONCACAF.
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) September 11, 2012
Had a great sleep last night and ready for game today #CanMNT vs #Panama 8pm at Estadio Rommel Fernandez. Leggo #Canada…
— Dwayne De Rosario (@dwaynederosario) September 11, 2012
Canada earned a 1-0 win over Panama last Friday in Toronto, making Tuesday’s rematch all the more anticipated.