Guatemala recorded a commanding 4-0 win against Guyana in Group F of the CONCACAF Men’s U20 Championship, on Friday at the IMG Academy in Florida USA.
Both teams were fighting to eventually book their place in the World Cup in Poland 2019. Before heading into the match, the Guatemalan side, trained by David Gardiner, was already carrying a huge advantage as they had managed to go undefeated in the UNCAF U-19 Regional Tournament that was held in August in Honduras. In the matchup, the Guyanese side looked flustered, as they could not control the Guatemalans, who showed their attacking prowess from the whistle. They eventually ended with 78 per cent ball possession.
The Guatemalan side outmatched Guyana in every aspect of the game, but the
Guyanese Goalkeeper Johnathan Vaughn looks on as Edin Rivas attempts a header
Jaguars managed to keep the scores level until the brink of half time, when Rudy Barientos (45th) pegged one in as Guatemala announced their presence.
At the half, Guatemala had already accumulated 80 per cent possession, and as the match progressed, the Guyanese withered against the pace and dynamism of their opponents. When play resumed, José Ardón shot one in from just outside the 18-yard box to put Guatemala ahead by two in the 53rd minute. Barientos then completed his double in the 66th minute, to leave the Guyanese staring down the barrel of a 3-0 defeat. With the higher level of ball play being exhibited by Guatemala, it was just a matter of time before they pierced the defensive line and successfully convert. Mark Santis announced his presence when he put the nail in the coffin of the Guyana side in the 73rd minute. After this loss, Guyana will face the Cayman Islands, Curacao and El Salvador in the coming days.
