SAN JOSE, Costa Rica - Despite missing out on the semifinals of the 2013 UNCAF Copa Centroamericana, Guatemala head coach Hugo Almeida remains pleased with his team, and sees the ultimate goal of qualifying for July's CONCACAF Gold Cup as firmly within reach.

Guatemala advanced through the first round without losing a match, tying Nicaragua, Belize, and Costa Rica. The three points earned weren't enough to move on, since Belize managed a dramatic win over Nicaragua in the other Group B game on Tuesday, clinching a spot in the semifinals.

Nevertheless, Almeida says that for his young Guatemalan team, the results have been completely satisfactory.

"I think we've fought well. We're not Argentina or England or Germany to play however we want," Almeida said. "We have just one player outside the country, and he didn't come, and aside from that it's a young group."

The Paraguayan coach, who is set to leave the Guatemalan national team after this tournament, reminded that the draw with the host nation was well deserved for his squad, and that his team is still yet to lose in Costa Rica.

"I think we've gotten better from game to game," he added.

The ultimate goal for the Chapines continues to be qualifying for the Gold Cup, but the Guatemalans will now have to fight for the last of five spots with Panama, which finished third in Group B after losing a drawing of lots for second place with El Salvador.

"We still have plenty to play for," added Almeida. "We came with a young group, with the idea of going to the Gold Cup. Now we'll need to play for the final ticket."

The Chapines and the Canaleros face off for that ticket on Friday at the Estadio Nacional.