Seven-time Concacaf Gold Cup champion The United States will not take the semi-final of Wednesday against Guatemala lightly, even though it is the overwhelming favorite, midfielder Tyler Adams said.
Guatemala, arranged number 106 in the world, has reached the semi-final of the tournament for the first time since 1996 after shocking former winner Canada 6-5, while 16th ranked the US for the 13th consecutive time.
«We know how strong Guatemala is. There is a reason that they are in the semi -final, so we can’t take that for granted to play them,» Adams told reporters on Tuesday.
Adams also said it would be strange to play against Rubio Rubin, who represented the US at youth level before they loyal to switched to Guatemala.
Rubin scored the equalizer against Canada in a match that ended 1-1 before he went to a shootout.
«It is always a bit strange if you play with them in the national team of the youth and now they play for Guatemala, and you play against them in a Gold Cup, but it will be a really unique experience,» said Adams.
«He really did well for himself, so it will be exciting to play against him.»
The US also needed a shootout to reach the last four after pulling 2-2 with Costa Rica, and manager Mauricio Pochettino was proud of their team spirit.
«That is what we want. That is how we feel, how we want to represent our country, and we want to fight for our flag and for our shirt,» said the Argentinian.
