<p>Guatemala were not expected to be in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-final stage, especially after playing Canada in the previous round.</p> <p>Indeed, they surprised the whole of North American soccer with a penalty shootout victory over one of the competition’s favourites. An equaliser from Rubio Rubin forced their opponents into penalties after the game was tied at 1-1. They’d eventually win 6-5 against the ten men of Canada.</p> <p>Having beaten one of the co-hosts, they’ll face the other for a place in the final on Thursday (09:00 AEST). Mauricio Pochettino’s USA team awaits them after defeating Costa Rica 4-3 on penalties after drawing 2-2. But, will it be a step too far for Guatemala?</p> <h3><br /> USA vs Guatemala Betting Preview</h3> <p><br /> Pochettino’s USA are yet to taste defeat. They won all three games in Group D, scoring eight and conceding one. Costa Rica was their biggest challenge so far, and they came through it. Guatemala arguably aren’t at the same level. However, they can’t be overlooked.</p> <p>The Central American nation were deserving of their runners-up finish in Group C, having beaten Jamaica 1-0 in their opener and effectively knocking them out immediately. They confirmed their spot in the last eight with a 3-2 victory over Guadeloupe, having lost to Panama 1-0 in the second game.</p> <p>Still, the head-to-head record isn’t all that surprising to read. In 25 previous meetings, USA has won 15, with six draws and four defeats. The last time these two met was back in 2016, with two games played and both winning one. USA did win the last meeting 4-0, having experienced a 2-0 defeat a few days earlier.</p> <p>The USA are in prolific form in this tournament, having scored 10 goals so far. Malik Tillman has three with Patrick Agyemang on two. The latter has five goals in his first 10 caps for the USMNT, having made his debut in January. Guatemala’s Rubin also has two goals in this year’s 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup competition. Across the two teams combined, eight have one goal so far.</p> <h3><br /> USA vs Guatemala Betting Predictions</h3> <p><br /> No one is going to be shocked to see that the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/international-soccer/concacaf-gold-cup/usa-v-guatemala-9363534">USA vs Guatemala betting odds</a> have Pochettino’s side the heavy favourites. Still, let’s not discount Guatemala just yet, as the bookies did appear to get it wrong regarding their chances against Canada.</p> <p>Value can be obtained in other markets if you don’t believe another miracle will happen. The ‘Under’ in the Over/Under 2.5 Goals market could be considered. USA have only scored fewer than two in one game so far, whereas Guatemala have scored in all but one. Although the last five fixtures date back to 2012, only one game in that period has finished with fewer than three goals being scored.</p> <p>By extension of that market, the ‘Yes’ for Both Teams To Score also looks like a potential value bet.<br /> &nbsp;</p>