Opinion / Analysis by Pablo Barrera
What a fantastic match our Guatemalan national team gave us! For a moment, we thought the game was lost, but fortunately, that wasn't the case.
Guatemala started strong, scoring in the 6th minute with a goal—no, a spectacular goal—from Óscar Santis. However, 10 minutes later, a lapse in concentration, or actually a poor save by Nicolás Hagen, who hasn't been in top form lately, allowed Romero to capitalize in the 16th minute, and the Dominican Republic equalized.
Then, in the 36th minute, another lapse from Hagen. A shot that any national league goalkeeper would have cleared or parried well slipped between his legs, and Morschel scored to make it 2-1.
But the substitutions would prove effective. ArquÃmedes Ordóñez and Olger Escobar came on to change the dynamic of the national team, combining well with Óscar Santis, who had a dream night. So much so that he scored two truly magnificent goals in two plays.
The equalizer came from a header by Nicolás Samayoa, a defender who played in Romanian football last season. It was from a cross where the goalkeeper's inattention led to the 2-2 score.
After shaking off the pressure, Óscar Santis scored a superb long-range goal. And then, after a cross from Morales, Óscar Santis struck it first-time with his right foot, putting it between the Dominican goalkeeper's legs to make it 4-2.
The national team maintained this dynamic, although they slowed down in pace and intensity after Óscar Santis was substituted. The truth is, Luis Fernando Tena's decision to take out the team's best player was not understood, but after that, the rhythm dropped, and the Dominican Republic started attacking again.
However, this was an unforgettable night for Óscar Santis, as he scored his first hat-trick for the Guatemalan national team. Incidentally, the last time the Dominican Republic visited Guatemala, they also conceded two goals to Óscar Santis. This means the national player has now scored against the Caribbean team on five occasions.
With this victory, Guatemala secures its qualification for the next phase, regardless of what happens in the match against Jamaica in Kingston.
Personally, I believe that both Olger Escobar and ArquÃmedes Ordóñez should start, and Nathaniel Méndez could come in during the second half, although he could also start from the first minute of the match.
The defense needs to improve, as the attacking play dynamic relieved pressure from the Dominican Republic on Guatemala. However, Jamaica is a more consolidated team with several players in the Premier League, and the defense needs to improve significantly in terms of speed, concentration, and not leaving spaces or making errors.
It was an excellent performance from Óscar Santis, who was the star of the match, the MVP, and there was good dynamic with ArquÃmedes Ordóñez and Olger Escobar, without forgetting the rest of the national team players.
Guatemala needs to work on several aspects; however, the performance in the second half was ideal for a good stretch of the game.
Guatemala can qualify for the World Cup; however, they do need to improve in these areas for the opponents they will face in the next phase.
