Canada couldn’t get past a 0-0 draw with Guatemala on Saturday and the team that played at the recent World Cup in Qatar were on course to be knocked out in the group stage of the Gold Cup.
The Canadians desperately needed a win at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston to solidify their chances of exiting Group D, but Guatemala outplayed them for long stretches of the game.
With the absence of Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Cyle Larin, their best attacking bulwarks out of the squad after playing in the last round of the CONCACAF Champions League, Canada struggled to create chances dangerous against the team he led by Mexican coach Luis Fernando Tena.
Canada’s best came towards the end with shots from striker Jacob Shaffelburg and another from central defender Steven Vitoria that Guatemalan goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen was able to fend off.
Early in the morning, Guadalupe beat Cuba 4-1. Matthias Phaeton netted a brace, while Ange Plumain and Anthony Baron netted Guadeloupe’s other goals, all before the hour mark.
Aricheell Hernández added a penalty in the 63rd minute, the first Cuban goal in a Gold Cup since the 2015 edition. The Cubans were eliminated after losing their first two games.
Guadalupe and Guatemala tie for first place in the Key with four points and will meet on the final date in New Jersey next Tuesday.
Canada, with two points from two draws, will face Cuba the same day in Houston.
“Internet fanatic. Web ninja. Social media trailblazer. Devoted thinker. Friend of animals everywhere.”
