MEXICO AND GUATEMALA FACE-OFF IN MUST-WIN GAME FOR EL TRI
After a lackluster debut in the tournament, El Tri will look to bounce back as it faces Guatemala in a must-win game in the second round of the 2021 Gol Cup.
So why is this a must-win game? Well, let’s say El Salvador beat T&T, which puts them top of the group with six points, if El Tri does not win, that puts the top of the group out of reach.
Now, we don’t think Mexico will miss the quarterfinals of the tournament, but a second-place group finish will give them a more difficult road to the final.
Last Game
Guatemala had a good debut in the tournament, all things considered. They held a solid defensive line against El Salvador until the tail end of the match when they game up two late goals.
El Tri commanded the stats in their match against Trinidad and Tobago but was unable to overcome the early loss of Lozano and the T&T defense.
Head to Head
Mexico dominates the head-to-head for this matchup having 22 wins, 13 draws, and 6 losses in 41 games.
Los Azteca’s biggest win against Guatemala in the Gold Cup is a 4-0 in the 2005 edition of the Cup.
Guatemala does have a victory over El Tri. In 2007 they were victories 3-2 in an International Friendly.
Team News
Guatemala comes into the match with no injuries to report and no one doubtful or suspended.
Mexico has lost Hirving Lozano for the rest of the tournament, but other than that no one is doubtful or suspended.
Predicted Lineups
Guatemala Predicted XI (3-4-3): Nicholas Hagen; Moises Hernandez, Jose Pinto, Gerardo Gordillo; Stheven Robles, Marco Dominguez, Jorge Aparicio, Morales Concua; Jairo Arreola, Luis Martinez, Robin Betancourth
Mexico Predicted XI (3-4-3): Alfredo Talavera; Nestor Araujo, Carlos Salcedo, Hector Moreno, Jesus Gallardo; Edson Alvarez, Hector Herrera, Luis Rodriguez; Jesus Corona, Rogelio Funes Mori, Orbelin Pineda
Prediction
Although Mexico burned me in my prediction for their previous game, I still see them being aggressive early and battering Guatemala 4-0.
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