USA VS Guatemala Player Ratings: Diego Luna Rated 9/10 As USMNT Beat Guatemala To Reach CONCACAF Gold Cup Final

Diego Luna scored an inspiring brace to take the USMNT into the finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup after a 2-1 win against Guatemala. The mercurial winger scored from close range first before finishing a fantastic curler, both inside the opening quarter of an hour to give his side an unassailable lead. Olger Escobar scored one back for Guatemala late on to give it a different outlook. Despite the underdogs punching well above their weight, the USMNT used their experience to make sure they reached the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.

In a highly entertaining first half, shooting boots were the difference between the sides. The USA National Football Team turned up with them as Guatemala wasted chance after chance. Luna bundled home from close range in the 4th minute after Luca de la Torre's shot was parried into this way. Just 10 minutes later, Diego Luna doubled the lead with a fantastic curler from outside the box after receiving the ball deep in the opposition half. This led to the visitors raising their tempo and creating multiple chances. Rubio Rubin, Oscar Santis missed terribly as Jose Rosales even had a goal ruled out for offside. They dominated the play but were unable to get anything back before the break as they stared at an elimination.

The second half continued with more of the same as Mauricio Pochettino's side failed to control the CONCACAF Gold Cup game. It finally took a toll as the substitute and starlet Escobar danced away from defenders before burying it in the bottom right corner to make it 2-1 with 10 minutes to go. The away fans went berserk as there were doubts in the home team's mind. However, the USMNT saw the game out maturely to make it to the finals.

Here are the USA vs Guatemala Player Ratings.

USA National Football Team Player Ratings

Here are the USA Player Ratings from USA VS Guatemala Player Ratings:

Goalkeeper

Matt Freese-7.5/10

Made crucial saves whenever he was called into action. His diving save in the 34th minute showed his credentials as he looks to cement himself as the long-term number 1 of the USMNT.

Defenders

Alex Freeman-7/10

Ventured into the opposition half with ease, as he always tried to add that extra attacking element. Was solid with his tackles as well.

Chris Richards-6.5/10

Was not his most dominant game as he had mixed success with duels. Even picked up a yellow card in the first half stoppage time and had to watch his step. He was brushed aside with ease by Escobar for his goal.

Tim Ream-7/10

The veteran coordinated his side's defence brilliantly and was a volume passer at the back as his side built out from the back with patience. His blocking and chance creation with incisive passes were top-notch.

Max Arfsten-7/10

His linkup with Luna was delightful at times, as they had a telepathic connection at times when it came to making runs. Stood the test defensively against Santis even though he was beaten at times.

Midfielders

Tyler Adams-7/10

Screened the defence well as he was a safe option on the ball. Didn't show much imagination with it, but defensively, he won the ball back through blocks and interceptions despite losing a lot of duels.

Luca de la Torre-6.5/10

Had an energetic box-to-box role and showed his range of passing. His shot from outside the box created the first goal after it was parried by the keeper. Didn't offer much defensively as Guatemala enjoyed breaking quickly.

Forwards

Sebastian Berhalter-7/10

He was a constant thorn in the opposition's path with his ball carrying and passing. He did a lot of hard work to win the ball back and pressure the opposition.

Malik Tilman-8/10

Picked up an assist with a simple square pass to Luna, but he played a much better game. His shooting was erratic as he failed to add to his impressive tournament tally. Constantly ran the show for his side in attack.

Diego Luna-9/10

He played a level above everyone else on the pitch. Those two finishes to give their side the lead were brilliant. He manipulated the ball masterfully and created openings out of nothing.

Patrick Agyemang-6.5/10

The striker had a lot of service coming in but failed to deliver. Had a great leap but the header was saved, and he would be very disappointed for missing a 1v1 against the keeper.

Substitutes

Brenden Aaronson-6/10

Jack McGlynn-6/10

John Tolkin-6/10

Walker Zimmerman-6/10

Damion Downs-6/10

Manager

Mauricio Pochettino-7/10

Luna's individual brilliance and some clinical finishing gave his side a 2-0 lead. Despite not controlling every action, his defence came out on top with determination.

Guatemala National Football Team Player Ratings

Here are the Guatemala Player Ratings from USA VS Guatemala Player Ratings:

Goalkeeper

Kenderson Navarro-5.5/10

Had a shocking start as he parried a straightforward save into Luna's path. Failed to cover the near post for the second goal. A crucial 1v1 save in the second half saved his face.

Defenders

Aaron Herrera-7/10

The dangerous Luna caused a lot of trouble, but he answered them well. Had a couple of decent crosses and an awful shot that sailed towards the corner flag.

Jose Carlos Pinto-6/10

Defended his box well outside of the goals they conceded as he dealt with the physicality of Agyemang.

Nicolas Samayoa-6/10

Had a good chance to score from a corner, but he missed the target. He was creating some chances with his long passing as well.

Jose Morales-7/10

The defender was beaten multiple times in defence, but he showed his worth going forward by taking a few shots and creating a few chances. However, the quality was always lacking.

Midfielders

Oscar Santis-7/10

Enjoyed a productive game as he created a game-high 5 chances and had 4 shots. He came very close to scoring as the opposition hurried every time he had the ball.

Stheven Robles-5.5/10

He always launched into rash tackles as the USMNT's midfield dominated him. Provided very little service with the ball.

Rudy Munoz-5/10

The 20-year-old was taken to the cleaners as he lost all six ground duels and was shrugged aside by the opposition. You could feel sorry for him as his on-the-ball play was missing as well.

Pedro Altan-6.5/10

He had his promising moments in the game thanks to his dribbling and passing, but the opposition weren't troubled much.

Forwards

Jose Rosales-6/10

Came back to defend multiple times and was in the box when Luna scored his first goal by freeing himself from Rosales. Had 3 shots, but the angles were always against him.

Rubio Rubin-7/10

The forward did everything but score as he had a highly productive game. The one time he scored, it was chalked off due to an offside.

Substitutes

Jonathan Franco-6/10

Olger Escobar-7.5/10

Scored a fabulous curler and was threatening throughout the game after coming on.

Oscar Castellanos-6/10

Arquimides Ordonez-6/10

Darwin Lom-6/10

Manager

Luis Fernando Tena-7/10

His side played valiant football and even dominated the hosts despite the underdogs tag. A slow start and poor defending saw them concede two goals, and it was hard for them to recover. Perhaps making the subs earlier could've gotten him a result.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match from USA VS Guatemala Player Ratings: Diego Luna