USA battle Guatemala in an exciting semi-final clash at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, with both teams playing for a place in the final. The Americans are gunning for their eighth continental crown while the Guatemalans are attempting to pull off another upset following their win against Canada.
The United States edged Costa Rica 4-3 on penalties to reach the last four after both sides played out a 2-2 regulation time draw in the quarter-final. Goalkeeper Matt Freese was the hero, with three saves in the shoot-out.
After suffering four straight defeats in the build-up, Mauricio Pochettino’s men seem to have found form as they are so far unbeaten in the Gold Cup. They won all three of their group stage matches and have scored 10 goals in the competition conceding three across four matches.
Meanwhile, Guatemala stunned 10-man Canada 6-4 on penalties after a 1-1 scoreline in normal time to reach the Gold Cup semi-final. It is their first appearance in the last four since the 1996 edition, when they lost to the USA in the third-place playoff.
Los Chapines, who are on a fairytale run, have suffered just one defeat in the Gold Cup – a 1-0 loss to Panama in their second group game. However, their overall form has been a bit inconsistent, with five wins and three draws from the last 10 matches in all competitions.
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How the bookies view it: USA are strong favourites
The United States are clear favourites among the bookies, with a win priced at 1/4 by BoyleSports. Guatemala are considered outsiders at odds of 9/1 while a draw is available at 4/1.
Head to head: USA in driving seat
USA have been the dominant force in this fixture over time, winning 14 of the 21 matches. Guatemala have managed just a solitary victory, with both teams playing out six draws.
The tournament co-hosts claimed a 4-0 victory in the last meeting during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Players to watch: Eyes on Tillman
The United States have been prolific in this competition, with Malik Tillman playing an integral role in their ruthlessness in the final third, scoring three times so far. Patrick Agyemang has also been on target twice and both men can help the team produce 1.5 goals – valued at 4/11.
Rubio Robin has been the key man for Guatemala with two goals and an assist in three matches, including their equalizer in the quarter-final against Canada. With support from Oscar Santis and Olger Escobar, they could be set to produce over 1.5 goals – priced at 20/23.
Probable line-ups
Pochettino is likely to go with the same line-up that played Costa Rica in the quarter-final. Tim Ream and Chris Richards should continue in defence while Tillman and Agyemang are expected to provide the attacking threats.
Guatemala have no injuries or suspensions and are also likely to retain their same team that beat Canada. Rubio should lead the line once again, with Jose Carlos Pinto featuring at the heart of the defence.
United States: Freese, Arfsten, Ream, Richards, Freeman, Adams, De La Torre, Berhalter, Tillman, Luna, Agyemang
Guatemala: Hagen, Morales, Samayoa, Pinto, Herrera, Rosales, Munoz, Robles, Santis, Rubin, Escobar
Anything else catch the eye?
USA have been on target in all their matches in the competition but are without a clean sheet in their last two fixtures (BTTS YES – available at Evens with BoyleSports). The Americans have also seen over 2.5 goals in three of their four matches at this tournament (over 2.5 goals valued at 11/20).
The seven-time champions have scored in both halves in three of their last four matches (USA to score in both halves at 10/11). With a straight USA victory valued at minimal odds, a win and over 2.5 goals offers more value at 5/6.
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