The Guatemalan National Team will face this Thursday, at 6:00 p.m., one of its most demanding tests of the year when facing the Czech Republic on US soil.
In the face of commitment, Luis Fernando Tena and Darwin Lom agreed that the match represents an opportunity to show progress in the team’s renewal process and strengthen group confidence.
While Tena waits to watch an individual and collective improvement of his players, Lom considers that the match should mark the beginning of a new stage for the Bicolorleaving recent results behind and focusing on building the future of the national team.
“We expect improvement from our players, individually and collectively.; that we please the fans, that the fans leave happy and very happy to be represented by this team. And of course win, We are also always very interested in the result“said the Mexican coach before the trip to the United States.
The reality of both teams is very different. While the Europeans refine details to compete in the biggest event in world football, Guatemala continues working on a reconstruction project after being left out of the World Cup.
In this context, Tena considers that Facing a top-level team represents a valuable opportunity to evaluate the growth of your players. and measure the competitive level of the group.
“Playing against the Czech Republic, when they are already very tuned for the World Cup, is going to be a very good test for us.. We must take great care of our image and our prestige,” said the strategist.
The national squad reaches this commitment after a complicated start to the year on an international level. Guatemala lost 1-0 to Canada in January and subsequently suffered a tough 7-0 defeat against Algeria in March, results that showed the difficulties of a team immersed in a transition stage.
Despite this, the coaching staff maintains its commitment to the generational change. For this call they were called 22 footballers including players from the local league and legionnairesa combination that seeks to balance experience and youth in the face of upcoming international challenges.
Tena announced that the friendly could also represent an opportunity to observe new figures within the national team.
“A very good opportunity opens up for Daniel Méndez and Matt Evans. “They are very young players who have the chance to show themselves against such a strong team,” commented the coach.
Beyond the result, the duel against the Czech Republic is presented as an important evaluation to measure the direction of the Guatemalan National Team and check if the changes promoted in recent months are beginning to be reflected on the playing field.
For his part, Darwin Lom, who is active in The Strongest of Bolivia and joined the national group for this commitment, highlighted the importance of taking advantage of these matches to strengthen a generation that is beginning to gain prominence within the National Team.
“It is very important to start leaving all that behind and start a new page for what is coming.. We have many young players who come to support and are the future of Guatemalan soccer. You have to welcome them with open hands and help them adapt to the team.“said the attacker.
The match will be played this Thursday, June 4 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sports Illustrated Stadium, located in Harrison, New Jersey, United States. For the Czech Republic, the friendly will serve as the last test before his debut in the 2026 World Cup.