Guatemala recoup deficit to beat Guadeloupe in New York

By Samindra Kunti in New Jersey

July 4 - On a sticky, neurotic night in Harrison, Carlos Meija delivered the 76th-minute killing blow for Guatemala to complete Guatemala's 3-2 comeback and secure his side's passage from Group D to the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup for the first time since 2011.

At the final whistle they ran to hug goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen, coach Luis Tena raised their fists and the fans in the stands celebrated like never before - Guatemala were back in the phase Gold Cup knockout for the first time in 12 years after a match where they had exhausted their nerves, given blood, sweat and tears to bring down a valiant Guadeloupe.

Both teams delivered an exciting competition from start to finish.

Guadeloupe were not overwhelmed by the cauldron of noise and commotion that Los Chapines supporters created in a packed Red Bull Arena in Harrison. Instead, they were steadfast under so much pressure and had the first sight of a goal in the 8th minute, but Jordan Leborgne missed his shot.

Andreaw Gravillon's attempt was thwarted by a spectacular save by Guatemalan goalkeeper Hagen, but the action in Hagen's penalty area reflected the balance of power in the game with Guadeloupe taking control.

Guatemala coach Luis Tena asked his players to step up the pitch, but they struggled to string together a meaningful attack.

On the left channel, Matthias Phaeton wreaked havoc on the Guatemalan defense and Hagen's legs prevented the opening goal, but in the 27th minute Gravillon powered the ball into the net from the ensuing corner, 1-0. It was a deserved lead for a team that was simply better, even though coach Jocelyn Angloma had insisted they were the underdogs.

But as mediocre as Guatemala are, they scored shortly before half-time with their first shot on target, with lead shooter Rubio Mendez firing an oblique header past Davy Rouyard in the 39th minute to equalise.

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At the break, Guadeloupe, Guatemala and Canada, leading Cuba 2-0, all had five points but Tena's side were on their way back due to an inferior goal difference.

With responsibility for their XI, Tena changed their midfield by replacing Saravia and Castellanos in a bid to regain control, but those hopes were temporarily dashed when Ange-Freddy Plumain converted a 63rd-minute penalty . The kick had been mired in chaos following a lengthy VAR review and a Guatemalan fan invading the pitch, meaning it took five minutes before the number eight could intervene. Fans then bombarded the celebrating Guadeloupe players with plastic cups before the PA demanded an end to the discriminatory chants.

Guatemala looked shaken, but it was the inevitable Mendez who brought his side back into the game, scoring his second goal in the 70th minute following a deft attack down the right channel.

Cue pandemonium at Harrison and the momentum had swung in the Central Americans' direction. Five minutes later, Meija delivered the salute with a strike from the edge of the box, causing wild scenes around Red Bull Arena.

But Guatemala was not yet home and dry. Guadeloupe were awarded a second penalty and this time Hagen dived the hero to his right to save Phaeton's free kick. No more chaos.

Every action in favor of Guatemala was now celebrated as a goal. In injury time, Steve Solvet was sent off for a second yellow card, but the dismissal was a footnote in a game that had been completely biting. The Gwada Boys are out, Guatemala will face Jamaica in the quarterfinals in Cincinnati.

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