Luis Fernando Tena, coach of the National Team of Soccer of Guatemala, He was satisfied and proud of the performance of his led in the victory against Jamaica at the beginning of the Gold Cup 2025.
The blue and white achieved a historical deed, even more relevant for the context: overcome the same rival who had recently thrashed him in the qualifiers Rumbo to the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
The Mexican strategist adjusted his approach to the Caribbean And, with a more aggressive proposal, he managed to master the meeting and show a better version of the national team.
Tena highlighted the delivery of his players on the pitch and the emotion that caused him to see the motivation of the squad, promoted by the unconditional support of Guatemalan fans who were present at the Dignity Health Sports Park, in Carson, California.
“Our players gave a great game, the eleven they started and the five that entered. They played with their hearts ahead. The impulse that people give us here is vital. See how they struggled, the solidarity of the team. It was very exciting for those who were outside, ”said Tena at a press conference.
Tactics change
The strategist also explained the variants in its alignment, Considering the result in Kingston and the good moment of several players During the local tournament.
“We knew we had to bite and strengthen the half court. Robles made a great tournament with communications; We wanted to give Ramírez the opportunity. His best position is where he played today, they cost him the first minutes, but then he adapted well. We had to populate the medium and press. We knew that the last minutes were going to cost them, ”he explained.
Poetry chapin 🇬🇹 pic.twitter.com/xyobsoxd3v
– Gold Cup (@goldcup) June 17, 2025
Without trusting
Guatemala will face Panama next Friday, selection that by goal difference leads group Cand that will also be a rival of the bicolor in the World Cup qualifiers. For Tena, the support of fans will be decisive.
“It will be very complicated to play against Panama. They will be different matches in qualifiers. People are going to support us more (in the United States). It’s about overcoming ourselves, the idea was to play better and make people feel well represented. Today the marker favored us, ”analyzed the strategist.
Tena’s mission
The coach ended his speech thanking Your players for delivery And it made it clear that the great goal is that the illusion of fans stay alive.
“We have to tell you very much. Since the players go to the field one is getting excited. The team is going to be delivered, we were lucky and won, people are happy, but we want people to feel proud and say: ‘This team represents me‘, ”Said Tena.