Sports desk

Guatemala pulled off a major upset to book their spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals, edging out Canada 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

José Morales scored the decisive penalty that sealed Guatemala's place in the last four for the first time since 1996. Ranked 106th by FIFA, Guatemala will now face the United States in St. Louis on Wednesday, while Mexico will take on Honduras in the other semifinal in Santa Clara, California. The tournament final is scheduled for July 6 in Houston.

The thrilling seven-round shootout capped off an intense and hard-fought contest that stood out as one of the tournament's most entertaining clashes. A strong turnout of Guatemalan fans in blue and white packed U.S. Bank Stadium, turning the atmosphere into one resembling a sold-out NFL game inside the Minnesota Vikings' home arena.

Canada, ranked 30th, took the lead in the 30th minute when Jonathan David converted from the penalty spot. However, their hopes suffered a major blow when forward Jacob Sheffelburg received his second yellow card during first-half stoppage time for an aerial challenge that floored Guatemala’s Stheven Robles, leaving Canada to play the second half with 10 men.

Guatemala capitalized on the advantage, controlling 58% of possession and outshooting Canada 11-5. They found the equalizer in the 69th minute when Rubio Rubín headed home a pinpoint cross from Oscar Santis.

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Santis had earlier missed an opportunity in the 53rd minute, firing over the bar from just outside the box after a bouncing ball fell to his feet.

Despite playing with a man down, Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, an MLS All-Star for Minnesota United, made two key saves during regulation to keep his side in contention.

The penalty shootout brought more drama, as Guatemala's José Pinto missed over the bar and Kenderson Navarro saved Cyle Larin’s effort to open the sixth round. Canada’s Luc Rollet then struck the crossbar, burying his face in his shirt in frustration, before Morales calmly slotted home the winning penalty as St. Clair dived the wrong way.

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Canada, who topped their group with two wins and a draw, has now exited at the quarterfinal stage in four of the last five Gold Cup editions.

Source: Agency