Dwayne DeRosario, David Edgar, Patrice Bernier and the rest of Canada's national soccer team were hoping to get some rest in Panama, but Panama fans had other ideas.
Panamanians staged an an all-night street party right outside of the Panama City hotel where Canada was staying, so that the visitors would not be at their best when the two teams meet on Tuesday.
The welcoming party started on Sunday night, when around 100 fans banged drums, sang songs and encouraged passing motorists to honk their horns. Radio stations reportedly promoted the actions during the day on Monday, leading to an even larger celebration on Monday night.
Around midnight, fans — reportedly numbering in the hundreds — surrounded the hotel for a street party complete with drums, fireworks, megaphones and live bands.
Head coach Stephen Hart said he's used to a little noise before bedtime.
"I've got three kids at home, I'm conditioned." he told the Canadian Press. "It's normal."
Canada is in Panama for a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Canadians won 1-0 in Toronto on Friday to take a lead in Group C (of the third round of CONCACAF qualifying campaign) after three games. A win in Panama would virtually assure Canada a place in the final round of qualifying for the first time since 1998.
The party didn't go down so well with all members of the Canadian delegation. See some of their reactions below.
[View the story "Canada Soccer Arrives in Panama, Greeted by Street Party" on Storify]
Have a question for Marcus Kwesi O'Mard? Send it to him via Twitter at @NESNsoccer, NESN Soccer's Facebook page or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.
