On a tense and thrilling night at Houston's Shell Energy Stadium, Guatemala edged out Guadalupe with a 3-2 victory in the decisive Group C match of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. This win propelled Guatemala into the quarterfinals, where they are expected to face a formidable Canadian side, while Guadalupe's hopes of advancing were dashed despite a spirited second-half fightback.
Guatemala entered the match needing a win to keep their tournament dreams alive after a narrow 1-0 loss to Panama in their previous outing. Sitting third in the group with three points, tied with Jamaica, the stakes were high. Conversely, Guadalupe had already been eliminated, having lost their two opening matches, but they were determined to close out the group stage with pride and at least one point on the board.
The match kicked off at 7:00 PM Eastern Time on June 24, 2025, with both teams eager to seize control. Guatemala, coached by Luis Fernando Tena, fielded a lineup featuring goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen, defenders Aarón Herrera and Nicolás Samayoa, and promising young forward Olger Escobar, just 18 years old. Guadalupe, led by Jocelyn Angloma, deployed a squad with goalkeeper Adélaïde and attackers Matthias Phaeton and Ange-Freddy Plumain, both of whom would later leave their mark on the scoreboard.
Early in the game, Guatemala asserted themselves with disciplined defense and quick transitions, but Guadalupe was not to be underestimated. The first half saw Guatemala take the lead through a penalty kick expertly converted by José Pinto, setting the tone for a hard-fought encounter. Guatemala's defense remained vigilant, frustrating Guadalupe's attempts to equalize, while the home side struggled to find precision in their final third.
Despite the scoreline, Guadalupe showed flashes of promise, with Plumain earning a penalty of their own in the second half. The French overseas territory's winger calmly slotted home the spot-kick, igniting the crowd and bringing renewed hope to the islanders. The momentum shifted as Guadalupe pressed forward with increasing urgency, forcing Guatemala's defense and goalkeeper Hagen into several crucial saves.
Guatemala responded with resilience. Olger Escobar, already a standout with his pace and composure, doubled Guatemala's lead with a brilliant finish inside the box, showcasing his burgeoning talent on the continental stage. Escobar was not done yet; later in the match, he sealed his hat-trick by deftly chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper, a moment that underscored his potential as one of Guatemala's brightest prospects.
Guadalupe, refusing to go down quietly, fought back fiercely. Matthias Phaeton scored a stunning goal from inside the area, curling the ball into the top corner and reducing the deficit to a single goal. The home crowd roared as Guadalupe ramped up their pressure, pushing Guatemala's defense to the brink in the closing minutes. However, despite multiple chances and a late surge, Guadalupe's efforts fell just short.
The match was not without its drama off the scoresheet. Guatemala's goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen suffered a muscle injury late in the game, leaving the pitch in visible pain, casting a shadow over the victory. Additionally, there were multiple tactical substitutions from both sides as coaches sought to influence the game's flow during the six minutes of added time in the second half.
Guatemala's coach Luis Fernando Tena expressed cautious optimism after the match, acknowledging the intensity of the encounter: "The team is very aware that we're playing for everything tomorrow. The story of two years ago is repeating itself, with everything against Guadeloupe. Two years ago, it was a very tough match, very even. I think the forces are very even. The team is doing well, and it's in these crucial matches where our fans have responded best. I think that leaves us very optimistic." He also added, "We've analyzed both matches very carefully. I think one was very good (the win against Jamaica) and the other (the loss to Panama) not so much, so we have to analyze the reason for this lack of consistency. The team is doing well. Are we calm? Well, no, not that calm, but we are confident in ourselves."
On the other side, Jocelyn Angloma acknowledged the uphill battle his team faced but praised their fighting spirit: "We know everything is at stake in this final match, so our team will come out with all the attitude to try to get three points and advance to the next round. Even though we were already eliminated, we wanted to close the group stage with dignity and show our offensive vocation."
This match marked the third historical meeting between these two squads in the Gold Cup. Their first encounter in 2021 ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, with Guadalupe edging out Guatemala 10-9 on penalties in the preliminaries. Two years later, Guatemala avenged that loss with a thrilling 3-2 victory in the group stage, a result they nearly replicated this year.
The final whistle confirmed Guatemala's 3-2 victory, a result that not only secured their progression but also demonstrated the team's growth and resilience in a highly competitive group. Meanwhile, Guadalupe's spirited performance, highlighted by goals from Plumain and Phaeton, offered a glimpse of promise for the future despite their exit from the tournament.
As the Gold Cup moves forward, Guatemala will prepare to face Canada in the quarterfinals, a challenge that will test their mettle even further. Meanwhile, Guadalupe will reflect on their campaign with hopes of building on the experience gained and returning stronger in future editions of the tournament.
The Shell Energy Stadium witnessed an enthralling contest that lived up to the drama and passion the Gold Cup is known for, with both teams leaving everything on the pitch in pursuit of glory.
