Play in Group E came to its conclusion today. Guatemala (pictured) were looking to complete the group stage with a perfect 6-0-0 record, and all that stood between them and that goal was a road game against Grenada in St. George's. The field was a wide stripe of mud down the middle of the pitch, and the penalty boxes were full of puddles from heavy rains. Grenada converted on a penalty kick with less than ten minutes until the half, and the 1-0 held into the break.Guatemala were in serious danger of losing for the first time in the tournament. However, with thirteen minutes to go, Grenada completely unraveled. An embarrassing own goal by Michael Mark on a full swing shot the ball into their own net at full force, leveling the affair at 1-1. Guatemala took advantage of a stunned defense to score twice more in quick succession, their second goal coming just a minute after the own goal. As if the sudden loss were not enough, Mark knocked yet another ball into his own net to become the first player to score two own goals in the tournament. Guatemala win 4-1 to maintain their perfect record.
Belize, the first team to kick off their FIFA World Cup campaign, saw their final action of the tournament today in Kingstown as they faced St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Both teams figured with a probable Guatemala win in the other Group E outing, whoever won this match would end up in second place behind Guatemala. The two teams played to a scoreless draw in the first period, so the drama would be left late.
In the second period, Deon McCaulay once again proved hero for Belize. With fifteen minutes to go in the match, he put Belize ahead with the opener, his tenth goal of the tournament. Just three minutes later, McCaulay found himself at the penalty spot, from which he converted for a 2-0 lead for Belize. Belize held on for the 2-0 road victory, their fourth victory in eight qualifiers to go along with two draws and two tight losses to Guatemala. Belize will surely shoot up the rankings board after their performance in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
With his two goals today, McCaulay becomes the first player to hit double-digit goals in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Although his tournament has now concluded, McCaulay scored an amazing eleven goals in his eight games, including the first goal of the tournament against Montserrat on his way to a hat trick in the opening match. Given the fact that the three weakest teams in Oceania will be eliminated before getting to play the likes of Fiji and Solomon Islands, there is a good chance that McCaulay will go down as the top scorer in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying when the final ball is kicked in November 2013.
Goals
Guatemala
Michael Mark 77 OG, 90+2 OG
Fredy Thompson 78
Guillermo Ramirez 85
Grenada
Shane Rennie 37 PK
Belize
Deon McCaulay 75, 78 PK
Match Reports:
Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DTb_D_5v2I (Guatemala v. Grenada)
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