An unused Panama substitute kicked the ball away in an effort to waste time after it rolled out of play in the closing stages of their 2-1 win against Costa Rica last night, ensuring the country qualified for their first ever World Cup.

José González played his part in the victory by sprinting to reach the ball before an opposing player and booting it into the crowd at the Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama City before being booked.

The match was not without further controversy as the hosts’ equaliser was allowed to stand by officials, despite the ball appearing to not have crossed the line.

An 88th minute winner then sent them to the tournament in Russia next summer, with a little help from the González, and President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela immediately declared a national holiday.