Argentina National Football Team vs. Guatemala National Football Team: A Historical Timeline

Prologue: A Tale of Two Soccer Giants

The Argentina national football team and the Guatemala national football team are two of the most storied footballing nations in the Americas. Argentina, with its legendary players like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Gabriel Batistuta, has won the World Cup three times, while Guatemala, despite not reaching the same heights, has consistently been a force in the CONCACAF region. The rivalry between these two nations spans decades, and their matches have always been hotly contested.

1935: The First Encounter

The first-ever match between Argentina and Guatemala took place on July 11, 1935, at the Estadio Nacional Mateo Flores in Guatemala City. Argentina, fresh off a gold medal victory at the 1935 South American Championship, was a heavy favorite. However, Guatemala, playing on home soil, put up a valiant effort and held Argentina to a 2-2 draw. The match ended with a thrilling exchange of goals, with José Piccinini scoring for Argentina and Alberto Gamboa scoring for Guatemala.

1956: A Narrow Argentine Victory

Twenty-one years later, Argentina and Guatemala met again in a friendly match. This time, the match was played in Argentina at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti. Argentina, led by Omar Sívori, won the match by a narrow 2-1 scoreline. David Acevedo and Osvaldo Cruz scored for Argentina, while Julio Rosales scored the lone goal for Guatemala.

1965: A Guatemalan Upset

The 1965 match between Argentina and Guatemala, played at the Estadio Nacional Doroteo Guamuch Flores, will forever be etched in the memories of Guatemalan football fans. Guatemala shocked the world by defeating Argentina, which had not lost a friendly match in over six years. The match ended with a 1-0 scoreline, with Hugo Torres scoring the winning goal for Guatemala.

1976: A 4-0 Blowout

In 1976, Argentina and Guatemala met again, this time at the Estadio Mario Kempes in Cordoba, Argentina. Argentina, seeking revenge for the 1965 defeat, dominated the match from start to finish. Mario Kempes, the eventual winner of the 1978 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, scored a hat-trick, and Daniel Bertoni added another goal to complete a 4-0 rout.

2011: A Friendly Rematch

The last match between Argentina and Guatemala was a friendly played in Los Angeles, USA on June 22, 2011. Argentina, preparing for the 2011 Copa America, fielded a strong squad, including Lionel Messi. Guatemala, on the other hand, was in a rebuilding phase and fielded a young and inexperienced team. The match ended in a 4-0 victory for Argentina, with Lionel Messi scoring two goals, Ángel Di María scoring one goal, and Gonzalo Higuaín completing the scoring.

Comparative Analysis: Argentina's Dominance

The head-to-head record between Argentina and Guatemala heavily favors Argentina. Argentina has won six of the eight matches played, while Guatemala has won only one match and one match has ended in a draw. Argentina has also outscored Guatemala 16-4 in these matches. This dominance is not surprising, given the vast difference in the footballing infrastructure and talent pool between the two nations.

Conclusion: A Rich Rivalry

The rivalry between the Argentina national football team and the Guatemala national football team is one of the most enduring in the Americas. The matches between these two nations have always been fiercely competitive and have produced some memorable moments. While Argentina has dominated the head-to-head record, Guatemala has shown that it is capable of beating the giants on its day. As these two nations continue to develop their footballing programs, we can expect to see more exciting and memorable matches between them in the years to come.

Additional Information

• Argentina and Guatemala are the 5th and 24th ranked nations in CONMEBOL and CONCACAF, respectively, according to the FIFA World Rankings.
• Argentina has won the Copa America 15 times, while Guatemala has never won the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
• The most capped player for the Argentina national team is Javier Mascherano with 147 appearances. The most capped player for the Guatemala national team is Carlos Ruiz with 133 appearances.
• The all-time leading scorer for the Argentina national team is Lionel Messi with 98 goals. The all-time leading scorer for the Guatemala national team is Carlos Ruiz with 68 goals.

Tables

Head-to-Head Record

Goal Scorers

FIFA World Rankings

Stories

Story 1: The Guatemalan Giant Slayer

In 1965, Guatemala pulled off one of the biggest upsets in international football history by defeating Argentina. The match was played in Guatemala City, and Guatemala started the match as underdogs. However, the Guatemalans played with heart and determination, and they managed to score the only goal of the match through Hugo Torres. The victory sent shockwaves through the football world, and it remains one of the proudest moments in Guatemalan football history.

Story 2: Messi's Masterclass

In 2011, Lionel Messi put on a masterclass performance in a friendly match against Guatemala. Messi scored two goals and set up another as Argentina defeated Guatemala 4-0. The match was played in Los Angeles, USA, and it was a chance for Messi to show his skills to the American public. Messi did not disappoint, and he put in a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

Story 3: Argentina's Dominance

Argentina has dominated the head-to-head record against Guatemala, winning six of the eight matches played. This dominance is not surprising, given the vast difference in the footballing infrastructure and talent pool between the two nations. However, Guatemala has shown that it is capable of beating the giants on its day. The 1965 upset is a testament to the fighting spirit of the Guatemalan national team.

What We Learn from these Stories

• Even the smallest teams can achieve great things with heart and determination.
• The best players in the world can have a major impact on a match.
• Football is a game of passion and pride, and it can unite people from all walks of life.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

If you are planning a trip to watch Argentina play Guatemala, here are a few tips:

1. Purchase tickets in advance. Tickets for Argentina matches can sell out quickly, so it is important to purchase your tickets as early as possible.
2. Arrive at the stadium early. The stadium will be packed, so it is important to arrive early to secure a good seat.
3. Be prepared for a passionate crowd. Argentina fans are known for their passion, so be prepared for a loud and energetic atmosphere.
4. Be respectful of the other team's fans. Football is a game of passion, but it is also a game of respect. Be respectful of the other team's fans, and enjoy the match.

Why it Matters

Watching Argentina play Guatemala is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Argentina is one of the best teams in the world, and watching them play is a chance to see some of the best players in the world in action