Luis Fernando Tena leads Guatemala to its first Gold Cup victory

From the editorial staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, p. a31

Mexican coach Luis Fernando Tena achieved his first Gold Cup victory with Guatemala's 1-0 win over Jamaica.

A solitary goal from Óscar Santis in the 32nd minute gave the Guatemalans the victory at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The victory was special because just a few days ago Guatemala lost 3-0 to the Reggae Boys in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match.

Tena's team showed defensive solidity and control of the game, defeating the favorite to earn their first three points in Group C.

The Caribbean team persistently sought an equalizer, but ran into a solid Guatemalan defense and timely interventions from goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen, a key figure in the match.

Guatemala will play Panama in its next match, and will conclude the first phase against Guadeloupe on June 24.

We hope to play good football against such strong opponents. We're at a very good level, preparing very conscientiously , said the Mexican coach about the Cup.

Guatemala has two runner-up finishes in the competition (1965 and 1969); however, it has not advanced to the semifinals since 1996.

On the other hand, Panama arrived at the Gold Cup hoping to capture the CONCACAF regional championship title that has eluded them three times.

Yesterday, coach Thomas Christiansen's team started off on a high note, particularly in the first half, to beat Guadalupe 5-2, with a brace from striker Ismael Díaz in the Group C opener in Carson, California.

Panama entered the competition with significant absences, including midfielders Édgar Bárcenas and Adalberto Carrasquilla, as well as forwards Cecilio Waterman and José Fajardo due to injuries. However, the Panamanian team, runners-up in 2005, 2013, and 2023, presented itself as one of the contenders to go far again, and they made it clear.

Panama will face Guatemala in its second match on Friday, while Jamaica will face Guadeloupe.