Guatemala surprises everyone in El Salvador

The Chapines clinch the I Cuadrangular de Fútbol Playa after beating Costa Rica and seeing Uruguay ruin Salvadorian chance

The closing of the I Cuadrangular de Fútbol Playa de El Salvador – Copa Pilsener was definitely not the one the thousands of Salvadorian souls in the Beach Stadium longed for… Uruguay, El Salvador’s toughest opponent in the competition, managed a solid victory over the spirited Cuscaltecos, banning them the chance to retain the Cup at their own soil. A devastating opening run by the Charrúa left things almost impossible for Gallo’s lads, for who, despite the talent and efforts by all the players and the crowd, the reaction came too late. Ortiz, Parrillo and Fabri built a 0-3 before mid second period, supported by a great performance by Best-goalkeeper awarded Diego Monserrat under the crossbar, and that got things too difficult for the Azul Playera. Tín Ruiz and Torresa had things a bit arranged, but the hosts could not push the reaction any forward, even seeing Martínez close the score for the Uruguayan in the last second of the game.

Notwithstanding, it was not the South-American side the one to lift the Cup. Guatemala were, as the Chapines completed with a tight 1-0 victory over Costa Rica what they had begun the day before with an extra-time win over Uruguay. So, with 5 points out of six, Guatemala became the champions of the I Cuadrangular de Fútbol Playa de El Salvador, in what stands, by the way, as a great news for the Sport, as a new, young side shows bright signs of growth and maturity. Guatemala will then become another team to consider in the CONCACAF panorama.

Game results

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
17.30h – Uruguay  3-4(et) Guatemala
19.00h – El Salvador 10-5 Costa Rica

Thursday, April 5th, 2012
17.30h – Guatemala 1-0 Costa Rica
19.00h – El Salvador 2-4 Uruguay

Final Standings

Champions: Guatemala (5 points)
Runner-ups: Uruguay (3 points)

Individual awards:

MVP: Agustín Ruiz (El Salvador)
Top Scorer: Agustín Ruiz (El Salvador) – 5 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Diego Monserrat (Uruguay)