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Cecilio Waterman and José Luis Rodríguez confront at training ahead of England match

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 8:46 PM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Cecilio Waterman and José Luis Rodríguez confront at training ahead of England match

Summary

Panama striker Cecilio Waterman and midfielder José Luis Rodríguez were involved in a brief confrontation during training on Friday. Waterman pushed Rodríguez in the chest, prompting teammates to separate the two. Panama coach Thomas Christiansen described the incident as a normal situation, indicating it reflects the team’s competitive spirit ahead of their World Cup Group L match against England on Saturday. Panama has already been eliminated from advancement after losses to Ghana and Croatia.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Waterman pushed Rodríguez during a training session
•Teammates separated the two players
•Christiansen views the confrontation as a positive sign
•Panama is eliminated from advancing in the World Cup
•The team will face England next on Saturday

Latest Updates

8:46 PMYahoo Sports — Panama striker Cecilio Waterman, midfielder José Luis Rodríguez have training ground confrontation

What they're saying

"
Panama striker Cecilio Waterman and midfielder José Luis Rodríguez had a brief confrontation during training Friday. Waterman pushed Rodríguez in the chest, and the two were separated by teammates, during practice ahead of Saturday's World Cup Group L game against England. “This is a normal situation,” Panama coach Thomas Christiansen said through an interpreter later at MetLife Stadium.
— Yahoo Sports

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