Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the CONCACAF Gold Cup match.
Both sides reached the semi-finals through penalty shootouts, though the USA were expected to be here — Guatemala, not so much.
USA
As hosts, the American team came into the tournament among the main title contenders, and a quarter-final elimination would’ve been a massive disappointment. The opponent in that stage, however, was no pushover — World Cup regulars Costa Rica with Keylor Navas in goal. The USA planned to dominate from the off but found themselves trailing as early as the 12th minute via a penalty. The response was swift: two goals in a four-minute span either side of half-time turned the game around, though they couldn’t hold on and were ultimately forced to settle matters from the spot.
Guatemala
Guatemala’s place in the final four owes much to circumstance. Their penalty shootout win over Canada (6:5) followed the sending-off of Jacob Shaffelburg in the fourth minute of added time in the first half. Canada were leading at that point, but the dismissal derailed their entire game plan. Jonathan David — who had scored the penalty — was later forced off with injury, further weakening the Canadians. So yes, Guatemala had some help.
USA vs Guatemala Prediction
Historically, the USA have made light work of Guatemala — three wins from the last four meetings with a combined score of 14:0. There was one slip-up, a 2:0 win for Guatemala, but the last head-to-head dates back nine years. Unless the USA suffer another early setback, they should have enough quality to see this one out comfortably, by at least a two-goal margin.
