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Guatemala vs Canada: Head to head statistics
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Guatemala vs Canada recommended bets
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Guatemala vs Canada match preview
Having only managed a draw on home soil on opening night, Canada are now under big pressure to pick up all three in the Lone Star State.
On Tuesday, les Rouges were big favourites to beat Guadeloupe in Toronto, but found themselves 1-0 down at half time.
Nevertheless, less than four minutes after the break, Lucas Cavallini poked home an equaliser, connecting with an inch-perfect cross from Junior Hoilett, before an own goal had the Canucks in front shortly after.
However, John Herdman’s team could not hold on for the win, with Jacen Russell-Rowe unfortunate own goal, coming in the 94th minute no less, ensuring it finished all square at BMO Field.
Canada are without eight of their European-based stars for this tournament, and the lack of depth below them was obvious for all to see in mid-week.
Nevertheless, les Rouges were still heavy favourites to top Group D before a ball was kicked, but they must win here to remain in contention to achieve this.
Darwin Lom saw a penalty saved in first half stoppage time, but made amends shortly after the interval, finishing cooly having been played in-behind by new recruit Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.
This was los Chapines’ first victory at the Gold Cup for 12 years, dating back to a 4-0 drubbing of Grenada in New Jersey.
2011 is also the last time Guatemala competed in the knockout phase of this competition, but even a point for Luis Fernando Tena’s team here would leave them well-placed to change that.
Defeat meanwhile would leave Canada on the brink of elimination, so who will claim three precious points at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston?
Guatemala team news
Star striker Rubio Rubin went off injured just ten minutes into Guatemala’s group opener, so isn’t likely to feature here.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing made his senior international debut on Tuesday, having switched allegiance from England, proving the game-winning assist for Darwin Lom.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Hagen, Herrera, Samayoa, Pinto, ArdĂłn; Castellanos, Saravia, Mendez-Laing, Galindo, MejĂa; Lom.
Canada team news
As mentioned, Alistair Johnston, Sam Adekugbe, Ismaël Koné, Stephen Eustáquio, Tajon Buchanan, Cyle Larin, Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies are all not with this squad.
Atiba Hutchinson also isn’t here having retired following the Nations League Finals earlier this month.
So, Lucas Cavallini and Junior Hoilett will lead the attack for Canada; the combined beautifully for the equaliser on Tuesday.
Goalkeeper Milan Borjan will captan the side, winning his 77th cap, while Steven VitĂłria, Kamal Miller and Richie Laryea are the only other players who featured in Las Vegas in the Nations League.
David Wotherspoon is currently without a club, having left St Johnstone following a decade in Perth, so will be hoping to get on and impress future suitors.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Borjan; McGraw, VitĂłria, Miller; Lareya, Ahmed, Bombito, Osorio, Millar; Hoilett, Cavallini.
CONCACAF Gold Cup Group D table
CONCACAF Gold Cup Group D results and fixtures
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