El Salvador, Guatemala nail down spots in next round

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala - The group stage of the 2021 Concacaf Futsal Championship concluded on Wednesday at the Domo Polideportivo de la CDAG in Guatemala City, Guatemala with eight teams securing their place in Friday’s quarterfinals.

In Group A, El Salvador reached the final eight on the strength of a 5-2 win over Nicaragua, giving them seven points. Rodrigo Contreras bagged a brace while Pedro Gomez, Marvin Diaz and Victor Chavez added goals for the Cuscatlecos. Nicaragua got scores from Lester Kripp and Nelson Salinas.

The United States finished atop the group by scoring one more goal than the Salvadorans after a 4-2 win against Cuba.

The hero on the day for the U.S. was Julian Escobar, who notched a hat trick and was joined on the scoresheet by Lucho Gonzalez. Alejandro Marrero and Ricardo Castillo accounted for the Cuban goals.

Group B play ended with Panama taking the top spot after a 5-4 win over Mexico. Carlos Perez provided a hat trick, while Oscar Hinks and Abdiel Castrellon also found the back of the net for the Canaleros. Cesar Paniagua, Miguel Limon, Miguel Vences and Abraham Atri scored for El Tricolor. 

Both Panama and Suriname have advanced to the knockout round from Group B.

The two teams to emerge from Group C, Costa Rica and Canada, were in action to decide first place and it went the way of the Ticos in a 5-1 final. Gilberth Garro scored twice, while Jose Guevara, Pablo Rodriguez and Cesar Vargas also added goals. Ian Bennett found the back of the net for Canada.

The day wrapped up with host nation Guatemala finishing off a perfect group stage with a 4-3 win versus Trinidad and Tobago. Alan Aguilar had a brace while Jose Mansilla Ramos and Wanderley Ruiz tallied goals for the Chapines. The Soca Warriors got two goals from Che Benny and a score from Jameel Neptune.

Guatemala and the Dominican Republic have both advanced to the knockout round.