Lot’s of focus on the games as they start next week.  Here is an ESPN piece on the latest commentary and the story of Panama.

Julio Dely Valdes had been waiting for this moment his entire life. The former Panamanian international player and manager was sitting in his living room in Malaga, Spain. Roman Torres had just scored to put Panama ahead in a crunch World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica. With the U.S. losing 2-1 to Trinidad and Tobago, a first qualification for the World Cup was in his country’s grasp.

Minutes later the dream became reality, yet Dely Valdes could not celebrate with as much gusto as the moment demanded.

“When Roman [Torres] scored, I felt tremendous emotion. I wanted to scream and yell but I couldn’t!” he said. “It was the middle of the night here!”

See the entire article and videos here