A disappointed Andrew Bascome admitted that Guatemala were the superior side after his team’s defeat in the home second leg of their second-round World Cup qualifier.

The visiting side bombarded the Bermuda defence from the outset and scored the goal that decided the tie in the 27th minute when Stefano Giordano steered his effort into the far corner after being given too much time and space.

“I don’t think it’s a matter of what went wrong, we just have to respect that Guatemala are a good team,” said the Bermuda head coach.

Bascome made three changes to the team that earned a goalless draw in the first leg in a bid to boost his team’s attack.

“We set out to play attacking football and I asked the players to express themselves and I enjoyed the game,” Bascome said.

“We came up against a Guatemala team that can play football and you have to respect that.

“They used the ball wisely today, but that’s what they do, they’re professional players.”

Bermuda did not really threaten until the introduction of Rai Simons, who came on for Jonté Smith in the 69th minute, with the new Chesterfield signing immediately causing problems with some confident runs into the box.

The 19-year-old, who came on as a second-half substitute in the first leg, admitted he was itching to get on and make an impact in his first World Cup qualifying campaign.

“I came on and tried to get a crucial goal but I came on too late probably, although I have to respect the coach’s decision,” Simons said.

“I haven’t been playing as much as I would have liked, but it’s the coach’s decision at the end of the day. If I’d had more time maybe something could have happened.”

The home crowd did their best to lift the Bermuda players but goalscoring chances were few and far between, particularly in the first half.

“It’s too bad we couldn’t get a result for them, but their support was vital,” Simons said. “Hopefully they stick with us because we’re a young team and we’ll be together for years to come.

“This is my first taste of the World Cup and I’ll be back.”

Dale Eve, who was preferred in goal to Freddy Hall, who captained the side in the first leg, kept Bermuda in the game with some impressive saves.

“In the first half we seemed a bit quiet and needed someone to boss the pitch and I thought I had to do it.” said Eve.

“Guatemala are a good side but we almost thought they were too good at times and we didn’t have any belief to score.

“I thought we could have had a couple of goals on a good day. It was just a bad day at the office.”