GUATEMALA CITY, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Guatemala midfielder Olger Escobar said his team is determined to make history as it prepares for decisive World Cup qualifiers against Panama and Suriname.
The Central American side is vying for its first-ever appearance at the World Cup finals and would almost certainly clinch at least a playoff berth if it wins both matches.
"We come with the ambition to qualify and make history," Escobar said. "We have to be very prepared for these 180 minutes, where everything is on the line. The eleven on the field and those who aren't must all be there for the team," the CF Montreal player added.
Guatemala will face Panama on November 13 and Suriname five days later, with both matches to be played at El Trebol Stadium in Guatemala City.
Luis Fernando Tena's side is currently third in Group A of the final CONCACAF region qualifying round with five points, one behind both Suriname and Panama.
The top team from each of the three groups will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The two best-ranked runners-up will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs.
"Today I was sitting in my room saying to myself that I could go back [to Montreal] as a World Cup player," Escobar said."I'm very happy to be here and I'm going to give my all to help my teammates." ■
