“The game against Guatemala will be a final for us,” says Mariano Díaz, Figure of Dominican

Home Sport “The game against Guatemala will be a final for us,” says Mariano Díaz, Figure of Dominican
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May 22, 2025May 22, 2025By Mario Vásquez
“The game against Guatemala will be a final for us,” says Mariano Díaz, Figure of Dominican

National Soccer

Mariano Díaz is one of the most recognized players in the Dominican Republic, after passing through Real Madrid and one of the main weapons against Guatemala.

Mariano Díaz in an action in the friendly of the Dominican Republic against Puerto Rico (2-0). (Photo Mariano Díaz).

Mariano Díaz, currently has no team and is emerging as one of the main offensive bets to face Guatemala on June 6, on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

Argentine coach Marcelo Neveleff announced last Tuesday the call for the matches of the tie, in which the Dominican Republic will visit Guatemala and close the group stage on June 10 against Dominica.

The Dominican team has generated great expectation with its squad, which highlight figures such as Mariano Díaz —Bicampeón of the Champions League with Real Madrid— and Junior Firpo, Leeds United player.

Despite his outstanding career, Díaz is going through a complicated moment. After his brief passage through Sevilla during the 2023-2024 season, he has not found a team againdue in part to an injury. However, he has maintained his physical preparation individually and recognizes that it has been a difficult period.

“It is not the same to train with a physical trainer than to do it with 24 classmates. It is difficult and different. Not being able to be in a costume and relate to people, “he said in an interview published by FIFA.com.

On the match against Guatemala, the striker was clear: “It is a very important game to continue in the fight to get to the World Cup. That game in Guatemala will be a final, and if everything goes well, we will have another one“

Mariano Diaz celebrates after having scored in the friendly against Puerto Rico. (Photo Mariano Díaz)

He added that the group is motivated by the challenge of facing Guatemala and is confident in achieving a positive result that allows them to return home with options to advance to the next phase of the World Cup classification.

“The group is very focused and this call has served as preparation for that game. We think of that appointment in Guatemala and hopefully we can go there and win. It is what we all want, “he said.

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