Guatemala’s Historic Soccer Moment
Guatemala is relishing a remarkable moment in its soccer history as the national team reaches the semifinals of the Gold Cup for the first time in 27 years. Under the leadership of Mexican coach Luis Fernando Tena, who took the reins in 2021, the team has made significant strides, highlighted by their recent triumph over Canada in a nail-biting penalty shootout during the quarterfinals.
Coach Luis Fernando Tena’s Impact
While the ambition to qualify for the FIFA World Cup remains unfulfilled, each achievement along this journey is celebrated passionately, especially by Tena, who was visibly emotional after the victory, praising the unwavering support from fans and the hard work of his players.
Tena, a seasoned manager at 67 years old, has a rich background in coaching, starting with Cruz Azul in the 1990s and even winning gold with Mexico’s U23 squad at the 2012 Olympics. His appointment came at a time when Guatemala was still overcoming the long-term effects of a FIFA suspension. Since the suspension was lifted in 2018, the national team has experienced ups and downs, including a rocky start in the inaugural Concacaf Nations League, where they found themselves in League C and faced difficulties in Gold Cup qualification.
A stroke of luck allowed them to join the Gold Cup after Curacao withdrew due to COVID-19. Under Tena’s guidance, the team began to develop, with a youthful roster initially brought to international attention by Tena’s predecessor, Rafael Loredo.
Emerging Talent and Dual Nationals
Despite the challenges, including a talent pool that often fails to attract foreign clubs due to quality concerns, the team has found a new source of strength. Many players on the current squad, including Rubio Rubín, Olger Escobar, and Aaron Herrera, hail from the United States, showcasing the potential of dual nationals and those born abroad to enhance the team’s competitive edge. Activist Juan Rodas has played a pivotal role in this initiative, identifying and connecting with eligible players, ensuring they are brought into the fold while managing their paperwork and eligibility.
Fan Support and Team Unity
The festive atmosphere surrounding the team has not gone unnoticed, with fans creating an electrifying environment at home and abroad. In the match against Canada, both Guatemala-born and foreign-born players demonstrated a united front during the decisive penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro, facing a high-pressure moment as he filled in for an injured first-choice keeper, making a critical save to secure the victory.
Looking Ahead
With aspirations still set on qualifying for the World Cup, this Gold Cup performance has renewed hope. The journey continues as Guatemala embarks on its semifinal match, an opportunity to further mark its place in soccer lore and potentially achieve a first-ever championship title in this prestigious tournament. The emotions run high, with fans, players, and coaching staff rallied around a shared dream.
