Guatemala 3-2 Guadeloupe
June 24 – Other than defending Gold Cup champions Mexico, the biggest draw to the tournament to date has been Guatemala, and once again their fans came out in their thousands, creating a brilliant atmosphere at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston as they beat Guadeloupe 3-2 in an enthralling contest.
Los Chapines came into this match knowing that a win would guarantee them passage to the knockout rounds. However, a draw combined with a Jamaica victory could complicate matters, so with Jamaica and Panama’s game running simultaneously in Austin at Q2 Stadium, there was potential jeopardy.
Guatemala took the Reggae Boyz out of the equation early through the penalty spot. José Pinto converted confidently in the 13th minute after Óscar Castellanos was fouled by Anthony Baron in the area, with VAR confirming the decision after a brief delay.
The Guatemalans doubled their advantage just before the half-hour mark through Olger Escobar, who finished clinically from close range after being set up by Rubio Rubín in a well-worked goal that epitomized their improved attacking fluidity.
VAR continued to play a pivotal role, ruling out what would have been a third Guatemala goal in the 36th minute when Escobar was caught offside before converting, much to the relief of the beleaguered Guadeloupe defense.
Guadeloupe emerged from the interval with renewed purpose, and their persistence was rewarded early in the second half. Taïryk Arconte drew a penalty after being fouled by José Rosales, and Ange-Freddy Plumain made no mistake from 12 yards, sending his spot-kick into the bottom left corner to halve the deficit.
But back came Guatemala in the 70th minute. Rudy Muñoz fizzed in a cross from the left hand side and, with one of the most unconventional finishes I’ve ever seen, Rubio Rubín chested the ball home like it was a bullet header.
With news filtering through that Panama were taking care of business in Austin, Los Chapines took their foot off the gas and immediately paid the price when Matthias Phaëton scored the goal of the game, bending a superb curler into the top corner.
This could have been the moment to start panicking, but head coach Luis Fernando Tena was an oasis of calm in the technical area that transmitted itself to his players.
Under his guidance Guatemala’s journey will continue, with the Central Americans proving they belong at this level and are capable of causing further upsets as the knockout stages loom. This is not a team to be underestimated.
For Guadeloupe, elimination was confirmed, but their spirited second-half showing suggested they can hold their heads high despite falling short in their Gold Cup campaign.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1750856392labto1750856392ofdlr1750856392owedi1750856392sni@r1750856392etsbe1750856392w.kci1750856392n1750856392