Watch: Panama sub hailed a hero for doing 'whatever it takes' to secure their first ever World Cup qualification

Picture the scene: Your country is on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time ever and the opposition is on the attack.

You are the substitute and can see all your dreams about to be shattered as you cannot have any effect on what is going on.

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But wait… maybe you can. As Costa Rica pour forward you sense your chance. With the Panama defence trying to get organised the Costa Ricans get a throw-in which they look to take quickly.

This is your big chance. You might not get another one….

Although social media initially reported it was the ball boy who made the ‘intervention’, it was clearly a home sub who might find himself in hot water.

But it worked. Putting the ball into orbit via row Z helped Panama secure a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Johan Venegas and Gabriel Torres to earn a place at Russia 2018.

Football can be a cruel game – but it can also be very funny.