The United States halts Guatemala and is emerging as Mexico's rival in the 2025 Gold Cup Final.

The Guatemalan national team 's dream at the 2025 Gold Cup is over. In an intense and emotional semifinal, the team led by Mexican Luis Fernando Tena fell 2-1 to the United States , who advanced to the final and will seek the title in four days.

The match, played at City Park in St. Louis , started with an aggressive United States side , determined to take advantage of their home advantage to quickly open the scoring. In the 4th minute, Diego Luna broke past the Guatemalan defense after a rebound from goalkeeper Navarro and Rosales ' inaccurate clearance, scoring with a left-footed shot that made it 1-0. Barely ten minutes later, Luna reappeared, this time with a great individual play that resulted in his second goal of the match, a brace that further complicated matters for Guatemala .

The Guatemalans tried to react, creating a few chances, but a lack of precision and the saves of American goalkeeper Freesse kept the score in favor of the home team at halftime.

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In the second half, Guatemala displayed a more daring and open approach, seeking to reduce the deficit against an opponent threatening to launch dangerous counterattacks. Luis Fernando Tena made tactical changes to balance the game and encourage attack, while U.S. coach Pochettino adjusted his strategy to control the pace.

The match was tough and hard-fought until the 80th minute, when Oiger Escobar scored the goal that gave Guatemala a stoppage, igniting hopes of a historic comeback. However, the Americans managed to control the final minutes, holding off the Guatemalan attacks and securing their place in the final.

The United States will now face the winner of the match between Honduras and Mexico , which will be played next Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston . This result puts Mexico one step away from the final, where it will seek to win the continental title and take a firm step toward the World Cup.

Luis Fernando Tena 's performance was outstanding, demonstrating that despite the defeat, Guatemala competed with discipline and courage under his leadership. The 2025 Gold Cup continues to produce exciting moments, and the final promises to be a grand spectacle between CONCACAF football powers.

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