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(BBC) The president of Panama has declared Wednesday to be a national holiday after the country qualified for the World Cup for the first time ever.

Juan Carlos Varela‏ said on Twitter: “The voice of the people has been heard… Tomorrow will be a national holiday.”

The national team beat Costa Rica 2-1 in Panama City on Tuesday evening.

The president said public and private workers could take the day off, and school classes would also be cancelled.

In a series of excited tweets, he shared a picture of himself signing the decree, adding “You deserve it”.

Panamanians celebrated long into the night after the victory.