Next Saturday, April 18, the Guatemala Women’s National Team faces Costa Rica in San José in the most important match of the Concacaf W qualifying round. Only the first place in Group C advances to the next phase.
After the historic 21-0 win by the Ticos over the Cayman Islands, Guatemala was in second position with the same nine points but with a lower goal difference. The outlook is clear: only victory is worth it. And Ana Lucía Martínez, captain of the Guatemalan team, is very clear about it.
“It’s a very important game, one of the most important in a long time, the only thing that helps us is to win”stated the Cruz Azul forward. The Guatemalan comes to this commitment at a great time in a way that gives even more value to her words. For her, the duel against the Ticos is not just another game. “Costa Rica has always been difficult for Guatemala, there has always been a rivalry,” he acknowledged.
Despite the rival’s demands, Martínez arrives with confidence in the group’s potential. “We have strong and experienced players and all that adds up. We have a team to compete, we have improved and that gives us confidence in ourselves,” expressed the forward, who also highlighted the level that several of her teammates have reached in international soccer. Guatemala comes to this match with players who play in foreign leagues such as Aisha Solórzano in Liga MX with Juárez FC, Ana Lucía herself in Cruz Azul and Andrea Álvarez in Sevilla of the Spanish League, which reflects the growth of Chapín women’s soccer.
Ana Lucía, leader of the Blue and White
Martínez also reflected on the impact that this generation of players has beyond the results on the field. ““There are colleagues who are already making their way, they are protagonists in their teams and I think that is important,” said the forward, who sees this group as a reference for Guatemalan girls who dream of soccer.
“There are many girls who come to us and that is nice, to be able to be role models for them. Maybe at that time we did not have those role models, but now they are encouraged to dream big”expressed with Martínez, making it clear that the work of this team transcends the field and has a real impact on the development of women’s soccer in the country.
For this decisive match, the Guatemalan also spoke about her role within the team. “I hope to contribute my experience and leadership at this important moment,” she stated, showing the maturity of a player who has forged her career in the most competitive stages of women’s soccer in the region.
“Wearing the blue and white is a responsibility and a great pride,” he concluded, with the conviction of someone who knows perfectly well what is at stake this Saturday in San José.