Guatemala Ready for Armenia

Fans debate it every day--which brand of soccer is better, European or Latin American?

The partisan line leaves no room for compromise.

Guatemala, however, seems to think it can learn a thing or two from its European brethren. That’s why Guatemala’s national team decided to cancel a match against Ecuador in favor of one against a European squad.

Using it as a tuneup for the upcoming Gold Cup Tournament, Guatemala will face Armenia today at 4 p.m. at the Coliseum.

Recently, Guatemala upset Mexico as well as Morelia of the Mexican soccer league.

The Guatemalan team is led by Coach Mincho Monterroso and is comprised of 22 players, including Julio Rodas and Juan Carlos Plata. It is essentially the same group that will compete in the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying.

Armenia will showcase a team of top players from its Premier League, including Shirak, the current Armenian champion, and Tsement. Shirak and Tsement are the only Armenian teams playing in the European Supercup.

Ecuador, bumped from its match against Guatemala, will instead play Iran on Wednesday as part of a doubleheader that also will feature a rematch between Guatemala and Mexico.