Guatemala lose Mendez, miss a penalty, but still find enough to eliminate Cuba
By Samindra Kunti in Fort Lauderdale
June 27 - Guatemala sank Cuba with a second-half goal from Darwin Lom to kick off their Gold Cup campaign in victorious fashion.
As a substitute, Lom's cool 48th-minute finish proved to be the difference between the two Group D teams after a wary first half. Cuba lived up to their 'Caribbean Lions' moniker with organized play and fierce defence, but they offered too little in attack, managing just one attempt on target.
Supported by a fiercely partisan crowd in Florida, the Guatemalans suffered an early setback with star striker Rubio Mendez, responsible for three Nations League goals, limping off in the 10th minute.
They held onto the upper hand slightly, but without their primary sniper opportunities, they were prized.
Cuba, returning to the Gold Cup after visa issues in 2021, were vigilant and handled the opening rallies well, although Alejandro Galindo's spectacular 20th-minute bicycle kick was a waltzes the roof of the net.
The Cubans hid on the counter but struggled to string together a meaningful attack. Instead, they racked up fouls, thirteen in the first half alone. Their opponents failed to exploit that defensive mindset and Oscar Castellanos' free-kick was Los Chapines' only attempt on target before the break.
The Cuban defense grew increasingly desperate with last-minute tackles and lunges and at half-time all that courage was almost in vain after the Guatemalans were awarded a penalty, but Raiko Arozarena, the Tampa Bay Rowdies goalkeeper with a small frame of 1.81 m, touched the ball on the woodwork, causing wild rejoicing from the Cubans.
El SalvadorWith one of the first attacks of the second half, Guatemala shattered Cuba's resolve, Derby County's towering Nathaniel Méndez-Laing fending off three defenders to help Lom, 1-0.
The game finally came to life, with Galindo blasting a half-volley and Mendez driving obediently towards the goal. On the hour mark, Cuba had their best goal view when substitute Yasniel Matos' thunderous strike from the edge of the box was met with a spectacular save by Nicholas Hagen. Trailing Cuba, however, collected very little in the final third, with no significant possession on halftime and Guatemala's slow transitions. At the other end, Arozarena again demonstrated his agility with a fingertip save to prevent Lom's second.
In the end, Guatemala's victory reflected the natural order in a game the Central Americans mastered against a solid but limited Cuba. Los Chapines will be looking to build on their first win against Canada on Saturday.
Contact the author of this story at moc.l1687957298labto1687957298ofdlr1687957298owedi1687957298sni@i1687957298tnuk.1687957298ardni1687957298mas1687957298
By Samindra Kunti in Fort Lauderdale
June 27 - Guatemala sank Cuba with a second-half goal from Darwin Lom to kick off their Gold Cup campaign in victorious fashion.
As a substitute, Lom's cool 48th-minute finish proved to be the difference between the two Group D teams after a wary first half. Cuba lived up to their 'Caribbean Lions' moniker with organized play and fierce defence, but they offered too little in attack, managing just one attempt on target.
Supported by a fiercely partisan crowd in Florida, the Guatemalans suffered an early setback with star striker Rubio Mendez, responsible for three Nations League goals, limping off in the 10th minute.
They held onto the upper hand slightly, but without their primary sniper opportunities, they were prized.
Cuba, returning to the Gold Cup after visa issues in 2021, were vigilant and handled the opening rallies well, although Alejandro Galindo's spectacular 20th-minute bicycle kick was a waltzes the roof of the net.
The Cubans hid on the counter but struggled to string together a meaningful attack. Instead, they racked up fouls, thirteen in the first half alone. Their opponents failed to exploit that defensive mindset and Oscar Castellanos' free-kick was Los Chapines' only attempt on target before the break.
The Cuban defense grew increasingly desperate with last-minute tackles and lunges and at half-time all that courage was almost in vain after the Guatemalans were awarded a penalty, but Raiko Arozarena, the Tampa Bay Rowdies goalkeeper with a small frame of 1.81 m, touched the ball on the woodwork, causing wild rejoicing from the Cubans.
El SalvadorWith one of the first attacks of the second half, Guatemala shattered Cuba's resolve, Derby County's towering Nathaniel Méndez-Laing fending off three defenders to help Lom, 1-0.
The game finally came to life, with Galindo blasting a half-volley and Mendez driving obediently towards the goal. On the hour mark, Cuba had their best goal view when substitute Yasniel Matos' thunderous strike from the edge of the box was met with a spectacular save by Nicholas Hagen. Trailing Cuba, however, collected very little in the final third, with no significant possession on halftime and Guatemala's slow transitions. At the other end, Arozarena again demonstrated his agility with a fingertip save to prevent Lom's second.
In the end, Guatemala's victory reflected the natural order in a game the Central Americans mastered against a solid but limited Cuba. Los Chapines will be looking to build on their first win against Canada on Saturday.
Contact the author of this story at moc.l1687957298labto1687957298ofdlr1687957298owedi1687957298sni@i1687957298tnuk.1687957298ardni1687957298mas1687957298
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