ABOVE) Action from the international friendly between Guatemala (white jersey) and visiting Honduras on February 10, 2016, in Guatemala City.
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala – Guatemala opened the Walter Claveri era on a positive note with a 3-1 win over visiting Honduras in an international friendly Wednesday at the Estadio Mateo Flores.
In Claveri’s first game in charge since being handed the managerial reins last month, the Chapines responded to an early deficit by scoring three unanswered goals.
Romell Quioto gave Honduras a 1-0 lead in the third minute. Defender Hamilton Lopez misplayed a left-sided cross in the box, allowing the Olimpia standout to gain possession, turn and fire a low, right-footed shot inside the left post from 20 yards.
Impervious to the initial setback, Guatemala equalized in the 19th minute through Honduran-born Gerson Tinoco, who headed in from the edge of the six-yard box off a right-sided cross from Mafre Icute.
The host went ahead 2-1 in the 42nd minute as Jean Marquez’s left-footed free kick from the right corner of the penalty area beat goalkeeper Noel Valladares high at the near post.
Another successful free kick completed the scoreline in the 57th minute. On this occasion, from 28-yards out on the right, a low effort off the right foot of Luis Martinez appeared to glance off Valladares’ hands before hitting the back of the net.
Both sides return to World Cup Qualifying action March 25th. Honduras will visit El Salvador, while Guatemala will host the United States.
