Reaching
for new heights
Guatemala
won the Soccer Relief tournament organised within a few days after the
hurricane "Mitch" devastated large parts of Central America. |
Guatemala is
a country best known for its beautiful landscapes - lush greens, volcanoes,
exotic fauna - and industrious indigenous people. With recent developments,
the country is beginning to get international recognition for the accomplishments
of its national football team.
Guatemala
has a deep-rooted and long-standing football tradition. It is a history
of stubborn tenacity and consistent failure… until February 5, 1998. On
this historic date, Guatemala accomplished its biggest football achievement
to date: a 1-1 draw against four-time World Cup champions, Brazil.
The
draw was viewed as a triumph in Guatemala. "The people in Guatemala must
be having a national party," Guatemalan national team midfielder Martin
Machon said after the match. It was a party as much as a catharsis that
cleansed away the many years of suffering and pain in the football field.
A country
that has never qualified for the finals of a World Cup had drawn with the
great Brazil. It was a lot to take, especially for the man who scored the
equaliser for the Guatemalans. "I feel a deep joy to have scored that goal,"
said forward Juan Carlos Plata. "In fact, to date, I am still celebrating
that goal simply because people will not let me forget. Every day, a fan
will come up to me and congratulate me, shake my hand or pat me on the
back."
In
November, Guatemala added another important feat. The team won the CONCACAF/CARE
Soccer Relief tournament, first beating Honduras and then Mexico in the
final. The Guatemalans asserted themselves twice in penalty shoot-outs,
showing remarkable composure and great winning instincts. continues... |
