United States fans are eagerly awaiting the team's qualifier at Guatemala tonight (assuming they can watch it), but few know much about Guatemala. The Guatemalans didn't make it to the final round of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup and went out relatively early in a largely forgettable 2011 Gold Cup. They haven't played in matches that many Americans have watched since 2008, and that date's only if you intently watched the third round of World Cup qualifying.
Guatemala Vs. USA, 2014 World Cup Qualifying: High Pressure Key For USMNT
We do know that three Guatemalan players have been suspended for the match due to match-fixing allegations, but that is about it. They are not and have never been a particularly technical team, and have never had any hesitation of going in on a hard tackle, legal or not. Like most teams that play the U.S., Guatemala will put men behind the ball and try to defend, so what is the U.S. to do to pressure Guatemala? Chest Rockwell from Black and Red United emphasizes the need for high pressure.
Tactically, the Yanks should look to press high and force the wingbacks to play as fullbacks. Not only will this underline Guatemala’s issues with first touch -- the center backs and defensive midfielders are not going to be mistaken for skillful technicians any time soon -- but it will also force Guatemala to stay in the 5-4-1 at all times. If the wingbacks can’t join the midfield, then the attacking pair of midfielders will have fewer chances to jump forward and help [Carlos] Ruiz. That will strand Ruiz up front by himself, and his lack of mobility would likely render him helpless in such a situation.
Ruiz will flop around, but keep him out the match and Guatemala will be out of options. If the high pressure can create a chance or two for the Americans, too, that will just be a bonus.
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