After just five minutes of their Gold Cup quarterfinal match against Mexico, Guatemala has an absolutely stunning lead on Mexico, who will now have to chase the game for the first time all tournament. Guatemala were thought by most to be a mere stepping stone on Mexico's way to a semifinal match against either Honduras - who we now know is in the semifinals - or Costa Rica, but Guatemala looks like they might be up for the challenge.
Mexico Vs. Guatemala, 2011 Gold Cup Quarterfinals: Carlos Ruiz Gives Guatemala Shock Lead
The goal was more or less gifted to Guatemala, but Carlos Ruiz did very well to finish off the chance that was given to him. Hector Moreno, who has been flawless in this tournament so far, completely misplayed the ball at the top of his penalty area, giving the ball away to Ruiz. Goalkeeper Alfredo Talavara made an ill-advised move off his line and Ruiz chipped it over him into the open net, putting his team up 1-0.
Before the goal, Mexico had all of the possession and were putting dangerous balls into the box, challenging Guatemala. The underdogs were playing a bit defensively, but now that they have a lead, they’re probably going to keep 10 men behind the ball for the foreseeable future.
For more on the 2011 Gold Cup (Copa Oro), the Mexico vs. Guatemala match, and Mexican football in general, check out SB Nation’s Mexican football blog FMF State of Mind.
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