Guadeloupe Advance To Gold Cup Knockout Rounds

The “Gwada” boys again are making a splash in the Gold Cup. After reaching the semifinals in 2007, Guadeloupe again surprised skeptics by advancing out of the group stage. They beat Nicaragua, 2-0, in a very entertaining display by the “Gwada” Boys.

Nicaragua will next play a insignificant match against Panama in Phoenix as they get ready to go home. Guadeloupe, on the other hand, will once again meet Mexico, a foe who beat them 1-0 in the semifinal leg of the 2007 Gold Cup edition.

First Half

Guadeloupe took control of the game early and the goal seemed evident. Just after 10 minutes of play Guadeloupe could have gone up. Loic Loval dove in front of the ball and made contact with his head, but the ball couldn’t make contact with the net as it went just wide.

Guadeloupe showed their French roots with their very precise touches. The Gwada boys also were putting on a spectacle with their individual plays. Nicaragua again were displaying the same strategy that they used against Mexico.

They were buried in the back waiting for the counterattack to present itself. Even with the counterattack, the Guadeloupe players showed a tremendous pace which made it hard to take them by surprise. In the 22nd minute Nicaragua had a breakthrough, but  Wilbert Sanchez’ shot went way over the cross bar.

In the final minute of the first half, Guadeloupe buried the ball in the  net, but official  Oscar Moncada took the goal back. Moncada called an offside when there was clearly none.

Second Half

Nicaragua came out with a bit more fire for the second half. Five minutes into the second half, Rudel Calero had a clear shot on goal, but goalkeeper Marius Fausto was there to make the save.

The fire from Nicaragua was quickly put out by the “Gwada” boys.

Stephane Auvary with a cool tap in gave Guadeloupe the lead 1-0.

Just two minutes after conceding a goal, Nicaragua committed the same mistake that led to another.

This time Ludovic Gotin beat his defender and then put the ball past the keeper. Guadeloupe were up 2-0.

Guadeloupe then suffered a set back  as Michael Tacalfred was sent off after getting a second yellow. Nicaragua saw the window open and started  to attack with more frequency.

Nicaragua had two more close shots, but none went in. Guadeloupe fended off Nicaragua carry off the 2-0 victory.

Guadeloupe again advanced to the knockout rounds, reaching the quarterfinals in their second appearance in the Gold Cup Tournament. Next up is Mexico in Phoenix, but they will face El Tri without defender Tacalfred.

Sylvestre Adame, Goal.com

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