Guatemala Gold Cup Stunner

The Guatemala Gold Cup journey continues in the most dramatic fashion possible following a monumental upset in the quarterfinals. In a match defined by grit and resilience, Guatemala sent tournament-favorite Canada crashing out after a tense penalty shootout, securing their place in the semifinals for the first time since 2001.

From the opening whistle, the match at TQL Stadium was a cagey affair. Canada, despite possessing more household names, struggled to break down a disciplined and highly organized Guatemalan defense. The challenge for the Canadians grew immensely late in the game when they were reduced to 10 men, forcing them to dig deep just to push the contest into extra time.

The Decisive Shootout

After 120 minutes of scoreless, attritional football, the semifinal spot came down to the lottery of a penalty shootout. This was where Guatemala’s heroes were forged. Goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen was immense, making crucial saves that electrified the pro-Guatemala crowd. With the pressure mounting, *Los Chapines* held their nerve, converting their spot-kicks to seal a historic 4-2 victory in the shootout.

The win sparks wild celebrations for the Central American nation and sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash against the winner of the USMNT and Costa Rica quarterfinal.

For a team that entered as a significant underdog, this victory is a testament to their collective spirit and tactical discipline. It’s a classic David vs. Goliath story that embodies the magic of tournament football and serves as a crushing blow to a Canadian side that had much higher aspirations.