The Guatemala selection signed in the Gold Cup 2025 His best performance in the tournament since 1996At the end of the third position, in the absence of the title dispute between the United States and Mexico on July 6.
The Guatemalan team exceeded the group stage, where it shared a group with Panama, Jamaica and Guadalupe. Then he eliminated Canada on penalties In the quarterfinals, before falling 2-1 in the semifinals against the United States.
Despite the defeat, the bicolor took applause from the international press and the recognition of the United States coach, the Mexican Mauricio Pochettino, who said he thought Guatemala could tie the duel in the final minutesdue to the performance shown. But was it just a courtesy or the statistics confirm it?
Based on the free press statistics bank on the Gold Cup 2025 and the duel between Guatemala and the US, it is possible to determine how truthful the words of Pochettino had and in what aspects the bicolor surpassed its rival, despite the defeat.
The numbers that support the effort of the bicolor
During the 94.24 minutes played at the Energizer Park of San Luis, Missuri in the semifinal of the Gold Cup 2025, the United States and Guatemala fought with all their strength and despite the fact that the US team scored two goals in the first 15 minutes, the statistics in the balance sheet ended up favoring the bicolor.
Offensive volume
Guatemala counted a total of 18 shots against the US 12. This means that the bicolor generated more goal opportunities and maintained a constant pressure on the rival goal. Of those, 5 auctions went to the arch.
Sustained offensive pressure
The bicolor had a greater presence in the opposite field and more elaborate plays. In corner shots, Guatemala had six opportunities, while the United States only had two.
In that same aspect, the American team made 14 clearing against 7 of Guatemala, which means that the United States spent more time defending itself, than attacking, as Pochettino acknowledged.
Guatemala pressed more offensive, forcing US defenders to reject more frequently to relieve danger. On the other hand, it also reflects that Guatemala had greater control of the ball in rival field, generating situations that forced defensive clearings.
Tactical discipline
Guatemala only received two yellow cards against the four of the United States, although they had the same amount of offenses (15). That translates into greater defensive control and discipline, despite a tough game intensity.
Check the complete calendar, updated results, standings and scorers of the Gold Cup 2025 in Free press | Gold Cup 2025.
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