MIAMI – On Wednesday August 16, 2006, at 8:00 PM at Tropical Park Stadium, the Guatemalan national soccer team will play their first match under the guidance of their new head coach, Hernan Dario Gomez. Guatemala will face Haiti.
“El Bolillo” Gomez is one of the most popular coaches in South America. The Colombian has been to four World Cups, including the 2002 event (Japan-Korea) in which he lead Ecuador to their first ever World Cup participation.
Guatemala arrives to Miami on Monday afternoon. The delegation arriving from the Central American country are going to meet in the South Floridian city with Carlos Ruiz, who plays for the MLS side FC Dallas, and Mario Rodriguez, who plays with USL First Division club, Miami FC.
“El Pescado” (“the fish”) Ruiz, one of the most popular players in the region, is happy to play with Guatemala against the Haitians. “Being eliminated from the last World Cup qualifiers after coming so close was very hard. But this is the beginning of the road to South Africa 2010 and I’m glad to be part of it.”
Guatemala will be staying at the Las Palmas Sunrise Resort in Fort Lauderdale, and will be holding their practices in that facility.
Haiti arrives on Tuesday. Included in the Caribbean’s team delegation are defenders Jamil Jean-Jaques and Stephane Guillaume, both from the Miami FC.
