International football: Gary White's Guam qualify for the next phase of the East Asian Cup with big win
Guam, led by British coach Gary White, are celebrating after qualifying for the next stage of the East Asian Cup.
The islanders topped their preliminary group ahead of Macau and Mongolia without conceding a goal after securing a 5-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands on Friday.
Former St Patrick’s Athletic and New England Revolution man Ryan Guy was the star, attracting plenty of attention in winning the MVP and Golden Boot awards for the tournament.
Guam will now face North Korea, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei in November for the chance to take on the might of China, Japan and South Korea in next year’s finals.
White, who turned 40 on the day of the victory, was born in Southampton but is now forging an impressive reputation overseas in Asia and is proud of this latest achievement.
Delighted
He told Sky Sports: “I am delighted for all involved here at the Guam FA especially for our players, staff, fans and Mr Lai and the GFA executive board. It’s been a real concerted effort.
“Our preparation was first class and our tournament strategy was clear, concise and calculated.
“We now face stronger opposition in the semi-final that includes World Cup finals calibre teams but it’s not a challenge we will fear. In fact, we will embrace it to further move Guam football forwards.”
After previously enjoying success with the British Virgin Islands and Bahamas, Guam are the third team the young coach has led to their highest ever FIFA ranking.
The islanders topped their preliminary group ahead of Macau and Mongolia without conceding a goal after securing a 5-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands on Friday.
Former St Patrick’s Athletic and New England Revolution man Ryan Guy was the star, attracting plenty of attention in winning the MVP and Golden Boot awards for the tournament.
Guam will now face North Korea, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei in November for the chance to take on the might of China, Japan and South Korea in next year’s finals.
White, who turned 40 on the day of the victory, was born in Southampton but is now forging an impressive reputation overseas in Asia and is proud of this latest achievement.
Delighted
He told Sky Sports: “I am delighted for all involved here at the Guam FA especially for our players, staff, fans and Mr Lai and the GFA executive board. It’s been a real concerted effort.
“Our preparation was first class and our tournament strategy was clear, concise and calculated.
“We now face stronger opposition in the semi-final that includes World Cup finals calibre teams but it’s not a challenge we will fear. In fact, we will embrace it to further move Guam football forwards.”
After previously enjoying success with the British Virgin Islands and Bahamas, Guam are the third team the young coach has led to their highest ever FIFA ranking.
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