Friday, September 17, 2004 12:37:34 AM
Ruiz and Guatemala breeze through Group Two
13 September 2004
by FIFAworldcup.com
With seven points from their first three semi-final round qualifiers in the North and Central American and Caribbean Zone, once lowly Guatemala may well be on their way to a first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup finals.
The team’s sudden burst of success could potentially be chalked up to the able and decisive managerial influence of former Honduran international Ramon ‘el Primitivo’ Maradiaga. His ruddy appearance betrays a delicate and elegant understanding of how to make the once-humble bunch believe.
But effective and inspired coaching aside, all of Guatemala is shouting one name a little louder than the rest. Carlos Ruiz has burst onto the international scene with the same bustling, nagging goal scoring panache that saw him earn Major League Soccer’s top scoring honours in his first two seasons (2002, 2003) with the Los Angeles Galaxy. ‘El Pescadito’ (the little fish) as he is known, is again on top of MLS scoring charts in 2004, and the 24-year-old’s four goals for his country so far in the campaign have him looking like the most troublesome striker in all of CONCACAF.
Praising Primitivo
The striker is quick to point out that things in Guatemala have changed over the years. With a new coach, a raft of foreign-based talent and a new belief, the team are coming together.
“(Maradiaga) is a highly respected coach in Central America,” Ruiz told FIFAworldcup.com about the impressive Honduran boss. “He knows what it takes to get to the World Cup finals and he's doing his best to communicate that to us. He's already been to the finals with Honduras, he's the best coach Guatemala could possibly have at the moment.”
“And we’ve never had so many internationals playing their club football outside the country,” he added.”
Currently at the top of a difficult Group Two, a pair of points ahead of more-pedigreed Honduras, Guatemala have been playing some fine football indeed.
Their first semi-final round match on 18 August was expected to be a baptism of fire up in the cool climes of Vancouver, British Columbia. But a fabulous double from Ruiz, put paid to Frank Yallop’s Team Canada to see the unfancied Central Americans up and on their way.
On 5 September the side returned home to take on Costa Rica. Though the Ticos must have still been in a state of shock following the 2-5 loss they suffered to Honduras at home in their first match, they put up a formidable fight. In the end though, their efforts were in vain as a brace from Juan Carlos Plata saw Guatemala claim a 2-1 win.
Presidential recognition
Following their second victory on the trot, the team met up with Guatemalan president Oscar Berger for a little ceremony and handshaking. And perhaps all the fanfare got them a little complacent, as they conspired to blow a 2-0 lead in their next match and draw disappointingly 2-2 in Honduras.
Still though, the team are in fine fettle at the top of the group. And of all three CONCACAF group leaders, Guatemala have the most points to show for their three matches. The mighty United States could only manage five, while Group 3 toppers Trinidad & Tobago amassed just six.
“I hope I can take Guatemala to the their first World Cup," said head coach Maradiaga, who played for Honduras at Spain 82 – the country’s only appearance at a FIFA World Cup Finals.
Top goal getter and hit man supreme Carlos Ruiz seems to believe Maradiaga might just be able to pull it off.
“It's a huge opportunity for us to make it to the finals,” he said. “I believe we have a good number of options and our players know what it's like on the international stage, so we're in with a good chance, perhaps the best we've ever had.”
13 September 2004
by FIFAworldcup.com
With seven points from their first three semi-final round qualifiers in the North and Central American and Caribbean Zone, once lowly Guatemala may well be on their way to a first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup finals.
The team’s sudden burst of success could potentially be chalked up to the able and decisive managerial influence of former Honduran international Ramon ‘el Primitivo’ Maradiaga. His ruddy appearance betrays a delicate and elegant understanding of how to make the once-humble bunch believe.
But effective and inspired coaching aside, all of Guatemala is shouting one name a little louder than the rest. Carlos Ruiz has burst onto the international scene with the same bustling, nagging goal scoring panache that saw him earn Major League Soccer’s top scoring honours in his first two seasons (2002, 2003) with the Los Angeles Galaxy. ‘El Pescadito’ (the little fish) as he is known, is again on top of MLS scoring charts in 2004, and the 24-year-old’s four goals for his country so far in the campaign have him looking like the most troublesome striker in all of CONCACAF.
Praising Primitivo
The striker is quick to point out that things in Guatemala have changed over the years. With a new coach, a raft of foreign-based talent and a new belief, the team are coming together.
“(Maradiaga) is a highly respected coach in Central America,” Ruiz told FIFAworldcup.com about the impressive Honduran boss. “He knows what it takes to get to the World Cup finals and he's doing his best to communicate that to us. He's already been to the finals with Honduras, he's the best coach Guatemala could possibly have at the moment.”
“And we’ve never had so many internationals playing their club football outside the country,” he added.”
Currently at the top of a difficult Group Two, a pair of points ahead of more-pedigreed Honduras, Guatemala have been playing some fine football indeed.
Their first semi-final round match on 18 August was expected to be a baptism of fire up in the cool climes of Vancouver, British Columbia. But a fabulous double from Ruiz, put paid to Frank Yallop’s Team Canada to see the unfancied Central Americans up and on their way.
On 5 September the side returned home to take on Costa Rica. Though the Ticos must have still been in a state of shock following the 2-5 loss they suffered to Honduras at home in their first match, they put up a formidable fight. In the end though, their efforts were in vain as a brace from Juan Carlos Plata saw Guatemala claim a 2-1 win.
Presidential recognition
Following their second victory on the trot, the team met up with Guatemalan president Oscar Berger for a little ceremony and handshaking. And perhaps all the fanfare got them a little complacent, as they conspired to blow a 2-0 lead in their next match and draw disappointingly 2-2 in Honduras.
Still though, the team are in fine fettle at the top of the group. And of all three CONCACAF group leaders, Guatemala have the most points to show for their three matches. The mighty United States could only manage five, while Group 3 toppers Trinidad & Tobago amassed just six.
“I hope I can take Guatemala to the their first World Cup," said head coach Maradiaga, who played for Honduras at Spain 82 – the country’s only appearance at a FIFA World Cup Finals.
Top goal getter and hit man supreme Carlos Ruiz seems to believe Maradiaga might just be able to pull it off.
“It's a huge opportunity for us to make it to the finals,” he said. “I believe we have a good number of options and our players know what it's like on the international stage, so we're in with a good chance, perhaps the best we've ever had.”
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