Venezuela set the tempo early to defeat Guatemala 3-1 in Group A of the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 men's football tournament. The matchday four fixture took place at Estadio Moca 85.
Diego Claut opened the scoring for Venezuela in the ninth minute with a powerful left-footed shot into the back of the net that left the Guatemalan goalkeeper with no chance. Venezuela expanded their lead to 2-0 in the 27th minute when Jesús González made a run from midfield and finished with quality.
Guatemala responded before half-time through a set piece. Diego Fernández scored to make it 2-1 and keep his team in the match at the close of the first half.
Guatemala Chances and Final Goal
Guatemala generated several scoring opportunities to equalize in the second half but failed to convert them. Joshua Trigueño wasted a clear chance in the 47th minute, and Fernández came close to scoring again in the 55th minute.
Paulo Motta missed another opportunity in front of the goalkeeper in the 66th minute as Guatemala pressed forward. Venezuela sealed the victory in the 76th minute when Gustavo Lozano broke down the right flank, outpaced several defenders, and finished with precision to make the final score 3-1.
