Despite some early doubt, Guatemala will have the team’s top goalscorer to lead the way in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifying clash with the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Carlos Ruiz, who netted Guatemala’s second goal in Friday’s 2-0 win, has been cleared to travel to the U.S. ahead of Tuesday’s clash with the USMNT in Columbus. Guatemala also announced that defender Hamilton Lopez has been approved to make the trip, and the duo flew out of Guatemala early Monday afternoon.
(UPDATE: Guatemala has since stated that Ruiz has not yet resolved paperwork to leave the country, although the player’s lawyers continue to work to resolve the issue)
Ruiz’s status was previously in doubt due to a legal dispute that would have prevented the forward from leaving the country. The Guatemalan federation said in a statement that Ruiz’s personal lawyers have resolved the situation, giving Ruiz clearance to leave the country without delay.
The 36-year-old striker, who has featured for five different MLS clubs, has scored 60 goals in 126 appearances for Guatemala.
What do you think of the latest Ruiz news? Expect him to put in another strong performance?
Share your thoughts below.
I expect Ruiz to humiliate Alvarado on Tuesday.
If Alvarado sees the pitch on Tuesday, I may break my TV. Which, in the scheme of things, may be for the best.
We’ll be fine .3-0 USA. Easy.
Does anybody realize that half the starting 11 for the USMNT were not even BORN when the last time the US lost to Guatemala in a WCQ or any match of consequence? Everybody else were in diapers. Except for Carlos Ruiz who was playing peewee futbal.
How bad is it when we fear a 36 yr old forward who’s biggest talent is diving
Welp, we’re finished now. Someone get Klinsi the bat signal for Landycakes…
I’am sorry to say, but the most they’re going to get is a draw. This team is just not good enough.
Com’on, show some support. The USMNT can always get lucky and steal a win.
Let me rephrase that for you:
“I’am sorry to say, but the most they’re going to get is a draw. This coach is just not good enough.”
Tomorrow’s match should be exciting
Actually this is good. We don’t want any excuses made if we beat them on Tuesday.
Excuses from who? The USMNT should be able to defeat Guatemala handily but, right now, this team flat out stinks and we need all the help we can get.
If we can’t beat Guatemala at home even with the Fat Fish… then we don’t deserve to qualify for the WC… I really just loathe our manager right now… Bob Bradley may not have played anywhere near the level of football that JK did but he is twice the manager.
I hope Ruiz plays. Far more interesting that way.
This is terrible news for the USMNT.
Multiple-game suspension reduced? Check. Legal problems suddenly resolved? Check.
It’s not like he got drunk and stole the he team van.
..or partook in domestic violence, and resisting arrest.
Or had photos of his meat curtains splashed across the interwebs.