Warriors confirm Guatemala friendly, five days before opening G/Cup qualifier

The Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team will face old rivals, Guatemala, in their final warm-up match before they start their 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup qualifying campaign in Fort Lauderdale.

The Soca Warriors face Guadeloupe on 16 June at Drv Pnk Stadium for what coach Angus Eve would hope is the first of two knockout fixtures en route to the Gold Cup group stage. And Central American rivals, Guatemala, would serve as their sparring partner before the affair.

Trinidad and Tobago defender Aubrey David (left) exchanges greetings with Guatemala left back Gerardo Gordillo after their 1-1 tie in 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup action at Toyota Stadium, Frisco on 18 July 2021.
Looking on is Jamaican referee Oshane Nation.
(via TTFA Media)

The two nations are scheduled to meet on 11 June at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Guatemala, who have already qualified for the Gold Cup group stage, are ranked 116th in the world by Fifa—12 spaces below Trinidad and Tobago.

It has been 18 years since Guatemala defeated the Soca Warriors. On 26 May 2005, “Los Chapines” swamped Trinidad and Tobago 5-1 in a freak World Cup qualifying result at Guatemala City. However, the result spurred the Warriors into action as the then Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) promptly hired Leo Beenhakker as head coach and went on to qualify for the Germany 2006 World Cup.

In eight meetings since then, Trinidad and Tobago won three while there were five draws—including a 1-1 tie at the 2021 Gold Cup.

Incidentally, the two teams will meet again in the Gold Cup group phase if Trinidad and Tobago advance. Eve must steer his troops past Guadeloupe and either Guyana or Grenada to earn that competitive rematch.

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