2025 Gold Cup Recaps: Panama, Guatemala Advance to Knockouts
Former Revs academy player Olger Escobar notched his second international goal for Guatemala as they finished runner up in the group.
With all four teams having an available path into the quarterfinals, everyone was looking to get out to a fast start, especially Guadeloupe and Jamaica who needed a win and help to get through.
Unfortunately for the Reggae and Gwada Boys, they both fell behind early and despite valiant efforts to comeback, both were eliminated in defeat.
PANAMA 4, JAMAICA 1
Panama winger Ismael Diaz scored a first-half hat trick, and his five group-stage goals in total propelled Los Canaleros into the quarterfinals as Group C winners after a 4-1 win over Jamaica in Austin, TX
Four minutes in Diaz got the ball at the top of the box, cut outside to his left foot, and ripped a shot that went past a stranded Andre Blake after a wicked deflection. In the 17th minute, Diaz carried the ball into the box via the left channel, weaving through a couple of defenders before a tight-angle shot snuck under Blake and into the far side netting.
Jamaica’s Amari Bell got one back ten minutes later, rising up for a backpost header after an assist from fellow fullback Dexter Lembikisa but it would be a short-lived reprieve, as right before halftime, Jamaica midfielder Kasey Palmer spun down Azarias Londono at the top of the box. Diaz dispatched the penalty to restore Panama’s two-goal lead.
A lengthy VAR review deep into stoppage with seven minutes already posted by the fourth official saw a Jamaica penalty shout denied, and halftime called at 45+17’.
Tomas Rodriguez added a consolation goal for Panama in the final minutes, his third of the tournament, as Panama claimed all nine group state points, joining the USA in the group winners sweep.
GUATEMALA 3, GUADELOUPE 2
Guatemala got on the board first from the penalty spot after VAR review judged Anthony Baron to have left a foot in against Guatemala’s Oscar Castellanos in the 9th minute. Jose Pinto converted officially in the 13th after sending Guadeloupe keeper Rubens Adelaide the wrong way.
Former New England Revolution academy player Olger Escobar, traded to CF Montreal earlier this year, doubled the Chapines advantage when he and Rubio Rubin caught the Gwada Boys in possession in their own half. A slightly disjointed one-two gave Escobar all the room he needed for a well-placed chip over Adelaide.
Escobar thought he had a second after a fought through multiple defenders and slotted home in the 35th, only for VAR to determine an offside offense by Rubin who was nearby but never appeared to be involved in the play. VAR also intervened right after halftime as Guatemala’s Jose Rosales fouled Tairyk Arconte near the edge of the area with Ange-Freddy Plumain getting the Gwada Boys back into the match with the spot kick conversion.
Rubin would essentially dash Guadeloupe’s hopes of advancing by restoring the two-goal lead in the 70th minute with an unmarked chested finish at close range after a left channel centering pass from Rudy Munoz. A 78th-minute consolation goal by Matthias Phaeton for Guadeloupe with an impressive top bin finish into the far corner rounded out the scoring.
GROUP OVERVIEW
Panama with another comprehensive win and regional performance, very deserving of their top-four spot in the region, will be joined by an upstart Guatemala in the next round. The Chapines were solid throughout and could give Canada a solid game in the next round.
Jamaica should be significantly disappointed with a sputtering attack that was the worst in the group with only three goals. Guadeloupe might have been outclassed in the back, but had a couple of top finishes in this tournament so far for a side that can only get Nations Leagues games as a non-FIFA member.
Panama goes on to play Group B runner-up Honduras on Saturday, June 28 at 7:15 PM EDT from Glendale, AZ. Guatemala will play Group C winners Canada on Sunday, June 29 at 4 PM EDT from Minneapolis, MN.