GUAM NOW 2-0 IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

By Robert Balajadia

The small Island that wasn’t supposed to win any matches in the World Cup Qualifiers are now standing an impressive 2-0 in its early stages. Guams latest victory over India (2-1) on Tuesday comes just days after the Island was celebrating its first win over Turkmenistan last Thursday (1-0).

The win over India Tuesday evening at the GFA Training Facility in Harmon is Guam’s biggest yet, topping their previous biggest win over Turkmenistan.

Not phased at all by the higher ranked (#141) FIFA opponents, Guam (#174) played like the better team against India for all 90+ minutes with the visiting team scoring in the final minute of extra time to avoid the shutout.

The Matao gather for a group shot after defeating India 2-1 in the World Cup Qualifier match Tuesday evening. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Guam got their goals from first time scorers of Matao in Brandon McDonald in the 36th minute and Travis Nicklaw in the 61st.

McDonald struck first blood for the Matao getting a header off an inbound pass from Ryan Guy to give Guam a 1-0 lead. AJ DeLaGarza took control of the defense and played the squad right into halftime with the small lead.

Guam came out in the second half just as furious behind the speedy forwards nearly scoring a goal off a trick play between Ryan Guy and Jason Cunliffe, but the refs waved off the goal.

Guam’s Brandon McDonald and India’s Robin Singh battle for a ball in midair. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Matao continued their pressure on the India defense when Travis Nicklaw broke free from his defender off a pass from his brother Shawn Nicklaw on  the outside. Travis used a juke move to get free for a right-footed power shot to the right of the India goalie for a 2-0 lead at the 61st minute.

Guam started making substitutions bringing in crowd favorites Ian Mariano and Dylan Naputi, who both came close to putting up more points for Guam.

Guam was the aggressor in both halves, attempting more shots than India while also having more field control. Guam’s 11 first half shots outdid India’s desperate four attempts and Guam once again brought out more offense attempting nine shots to India’s five in the second half.

India’s team captain Sunil Chhetri scored the lone goal for the visitors in the last minute of the extra three minutes added to the game.

The home crowd was loud all game long as the small island is standing 2-0 and trying to punch their ticket to the World Cup. There’s still a lot more soccer left to be played, but it’s safe to say no one is taking Guam for granted from here on out.

The pair of wins from the Matao and Guam’s win over China in rugby are turning a new leaf for two of the Island’s fastest growing sports.

Fans were treated to some quality time with the athletes after the game for autographs and selfies (presumably under #BibaMatao) that are sure to be all over your social media timeline from over the thousands in attendance. For those who weren’t tweeting about Guam’s win were at least tuned in to the broadcast as over 23k were viewing the stream live.

Guam is also receiving global recognition with outlets such like ESPN FC and the FIFA World Cup 2018 tweeting about Guam’s big win over India. It seems as if the world is shocked by the recent come up of Guam, but the players and fans were confident Guam was capable all along.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Fans at the game let out their cheers all match long. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Matao’s Travis Nicklaw uses a nifty move to get around the India defense. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

The team comes together in celebration after Travis Nicklaw’s (#4) goal to put Guam up 2-0. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Matao Captain Jason Cunliffe zips through the midfield. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Matao’s John Matkin dances around the defense before feeding off to a teammate. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)