In a Group D Gold Cup match held on Tuesday evening at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, Guatemala triumphed over Guadeloupe in a thrilling 3-2 encounter. The win propelled Guatemala into the knockout stage for the first time since 2011.
Guadeloupe had an early opportunity in the 8th minute when Mattias Phaeton set up Jordan Leborgne, but his shot went wide. Guatemala's goalkeeper, Nicholas Hagen, made a great save in the 17th minute, parrying away Andreaw Gravillon's powerful shot. Hagen again denied Phaeton in the 26th minute. From the resulting corner, Gravillon headed home, giving Guadeloupe a 1-0 lead. Guatemala responded in the 39th minute with a header from Rubio Rubin, leveling the score.
The second half saw Guadeloupe earn a penalty in the 60th minute after a handball in the box. Ange-Freddy Plumain stepped up and converted the penalty, putting Guadeloupe ahead 2-1. Guatemala quickly responded again, with Rubin scoring his second goal in the 70th minute, making it 2-2. Carlos Mejia then scored in the 75th minute, giving Guatemala the lead for the first time at 3-2. Guadeloupe was awarded another penalty in the 87th minute, but Hagen saved Phaeton's attempt, securing Guatemala's victory.
Guatemala will now face Jamaica in Cincinnati on Sunday in the quarterfinals.
