Guatemala Defeats Canada In Penalty Shootout To Reach Gold Cup Semi-Finals After 29 Years

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Guatemala has reached the Gold Cup semi-finals for the first time in 29 years after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Canada. The match ended 1-1, but Guatemala triumphed 6-5 on penalties at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jose Morales emerged as the hero, ensuring Canada's missed opportunities were costly.

Canada's Cyle Larin had his penalty saved by Kenderson Navarro, while Jose Pinto missed for Guatemala. Luc De Fougerolles then hit the crossbar for Canada, allowing Morales to seal the win. Jonathan David had earlier given Canada the lead with a penalty in the 30th minute.

Jacob Shaffelburg's red card in first-half stoppage time shifted momentum towards Guatemala. With a man advantage, they capitalised when Rubio Rubin equalised with a powerful header in the 69th minute. Dayne St. Clair couldn't save Canada in the shoot-out as Morales secured Guatemala's victory.

Guatemala's achievement marks their second appearance in a Gold Cup semi-final since 1996. They were once champions and twice runners-up in the CONCACAF Championship, which preceded the Gold Cup. Their next challenge is against either Costa Rica or the United States.

Statistical Highlights from the Match

Guatemala made effective use of their numerical advantage after Shaffelburg's dismissal, completing 385 passes—the highest by any team in this tournament edition so far. They also outshot Canada with 11 attempts compared to Canada's five, despite Canada's expected goals being higher due to David's penalty.

This remarkable journey for Guatemala continues as they prepare for their upcoming semi-final clash, hoping to build on this historic success and potentially reach their first final since their triumphs in earlier CONCACAF Championships.