USMNT vs Guatemala prediction, projected lineups, and how to watch | OneFootball

It’s been a wildly up-and-down summer for the USMNT. Frankly, it was a wildly up-and-down quarterfinal matchup against Costa Rica on Sunday.

After overcoming a deficit, blowing a lead, and surviving a penalty shootout, the U.S. is just one game away from the Gold Cup final. The team standing in their way in Wednesday’s semifinal is a Guatemala team that’s playing in a Gold Cup semifinal for the first time since 1996.

While undoubtedly a surprising participant in the Gold Cup semifinals, Guatemala has earned its spot. Los Chapines opened the tournament with a win over Jamaica, less than a week after suffering a 3-0 loss to Jamaica in a World Cup qualifying game. Guatemala advanced via a 3-2 win over Guadeloupe in their final group game. They also eliminated 10-man Canada in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals, following a 69th-minute equalizer by former USMNT player Rubio Rubin.

Somehow, Wednesday’s game will be the first time the U.S. and Guatemala will meet in almost a decade. The last game between these sides was a 4-0 American victory in a World Cup qualifier in March 2016. That game was just four days after Guatemala shocked the U.S. 2-0, scoring twice in the first 15 minutes at home and making it hold up for one of several disappointing losses during the USMNT’s ill-fated 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. Naturally, the U.S. would like to avoid a similar disaster as it renews acquaintances on Wednesday.

How to Watch USMNT vs Guatemala

Time: Wednesday, July 2, 7:00 pm ET

Venue: Energizer Stadium, St. Louis

Tickets: Click here

TV/streaming: FOX in English | Univision, TUDN in Spanish

USMNT vs Guatemala projected lineups

Mauricio Pochettino could have some tough lineup decisions to make for the semifinals. One revolves around fullback Max Arfsten, who helped create both goals against Costa Rica, but is also to blame for the two goals the U.S. allowed.

He will also need to assess the recovery of his players with just two days of rest between games. Most notably, Mailk Tillman, whose toughness pushed the USMNT to victory, was on the receiving end of several hard tackles that could leave him fatigued and bruised for the semifinal.

As for Guatemala, there are similar concerns about having such a short turnaround following an emotional and historic win over Canada. Of course, Luis Fernando Tena’s team has less overall squad depth than the U.S., meaning there shouldn't be a lot of squad rotation. One injury that’s worth noting is the loss of starting goalie Nicholas Hagen, who has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament. His injury forced backup Henderson Navarro into duty against Canada, although the 23-year-old was obviously up to the task.

USMNT projected lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left)

Matt Freese (GK) - Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, John Tolkin - Tyler Adams, Luca de la Torre - Diego Luna, Malik Tillman, Jack McGlynn - Patrick Agyemang

Guatemala projected lineup (4-3–3, right to left)

Henderson Navarro (GK) - Aaron Herrera, Jose Carlos Pinto, Nicolas Samayoa, Jose Morales - Stheven Robles, Jose Rosales, Rudy Munoz - Olger Escobar, Rubio Rubin, Darwin Lom

USMNT vs Guatemala prediction

On paper, this should be the USMNT’s easiest opponent since beating Trinidad & Tobago 5-0 in the tournament opener. Even against a USMNT B squad, the Guatemalans are overmatched from a talent perspective. Of course, the same thing was true ahead of their quarterfinal against Canada, and Guatemala found a way to force penalties and advance, so this will be no cake walk for the U.S.

The good news for the U.S. is that outside of Arfsten’s dreadful mistakes in the semifinals, they have been strong defensively throughout the Gold Cup. The tandem of Chris Richards and Tim Ream has been solid, while goalie Matt Freese is no doubt brimming with confidence after his heroics against Costa Rica. As long as Pochettino benches Arfsten, there is every chance the USMNT can maintain a clean sheet.

Meanwhile, the U.S. should have enough attacking options to put some goals past Guatemala’s backup keeper. Tillman has been outstanding all tournament, while Diego Luna has been a catalyst as well. If needed, Brenden Aaronson and Damion Downs provide fresh attacking options on the bench. That should be enough depth to overcome the quick turnaround and give the U.S. a comfortable win.