Guatemala upset Canada on penalties to enter Gold Cup semis

Jose Morales sealed a dramatic 6–5 penalty shootout victory for Guatemala over Canada in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals on Sunday in Minneapolis, sending Los Chapines to the semifinals for the first time since 1996.

The match ended 1–1 after 90 tense minutes. Canada had taken the lead in the 30th minute when Jonathan David calmly slotted home a penalty into the bottom right corner.

But the tide turned just before halftime when Jacob Shaffelburg was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Stheven Robles, leaving Canada down to 10 men.



Guatemala capitalized on their numerical advantage in the second half, with Rubio Rubin firing home the equalizer in the 69th minute to set up a gripping finish. Neither side could find a winner in regulation, leading to a nerve-wracking shootout.

Both teams converted their first four penalties, and in the fifth round, Guatemala keeper Kenderson Navarro denied Cyle Larin before Jose Pinto skied his effort.

After another round of successful penalties, Luc De Fougerolles struck the post for Canada. Morales then stepped up and coolly placed his shot just off-center as Dayne St. Clair dove the wrong way, clinching the upset.

The result marks Canada’s second consecutive Gold Cup quarterfinal exit.