In a thrilling Gold Cup semifinal match held at a sold-out Energizer Park in St. Louis, the U.S. men's national team (USMNT) emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Guatemala, thanks to a standout performance by Diego Luna. The match, which saw a majority of the crowd supporting Guatemala, was a testament to the resilience and skill of the USMNT under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Early Dominance by Luna Diego Luna made an immediate impact, scoring in the fourth minute by capitalizing on a rebounded shot from Luca de la Torre. His quick reflexes and precision put the USMNT ahead early, silencing the boisterous Guatemalan supporters. Luna didn't stop there; in the 15th minute, he received a long-range pass from Malik Tillman, dribbled forward, and expertly slotted the ball into the net, doubling the lead.

Guatemala's Fightback Despite the early setback, Guatemala intensified their efforts, particularly in the latter stages of the first half and after the break. Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Olger Escobar scored, bringing the score to 2-1. However, it was too little, too late, as the USMNT held on to secure their place in the final.

Key Talking Points

1. Luna's Brilliance: Luna's first-half brace was the highlight of the match, showcasing his intensity and skill. With three goals and two assists in the tournament, he has been a pivotal player for the USMNT.
2. Handling the Crowd: The USMNT managed to overcome the hostile environment, with the majority of the crowd supporting Guatemala. This experience could prove valuable if they face Mexico in the final.
3. Closing Out the Game: The USMNT showed some vulnerability in the closing stages of both halves, allowing Guatemala to create chances. Pochettino will need to address this to ensure a strong performance in the final.

Looking Ahead With the final set for Sunday, the USMNT will aim to lift the Gold Cup title. Pochettino's men will need to maintain their focus and intensity to overcome their next opponent and claim the championship.