With a perfect 3-0 record in the group stage of the Central America Cup, Guatemala arrives to the final where Saturday the country will face World Cup quarterfinalists Costa Rica.
If Panama had beaten Nicaragua -- the worst team in Central America -- by more than three goals, the Canaleros would've taken the top spot in the group. The spot could've been decided by a coin flip if Panama had won 3-0. Instead the Nicas saved Costa Rica from certain embarrassment by losing by just two goals.
Costa Rica is a victory away from their 6th straight trip to the Central America Cup final. The team takes on Panama at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Cotton Bowl in sunny Dallas, Texas.
Expectations will be sky-high for Costa Rica at this week's Central America Cup -- even though the team only will carry a handful of players from its history-making World Cup squad. Fortunately for the Ticos, they will open the tournament against the worst team in the region.