ST. LOUIS, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Diego Luna scored two first-half goals as the United States beat Guatemala 2-1 on Wednesday to reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.

The Real Salt Lake midfielder gave the hosts the lead in the fourth minute in St. Louis, firing home after Luca de la Torre's long-range effort was palmed away by goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro.

Luna struck again nine minutes later, cutting inside and lashing a low drive that beat Navarro at his near post.

Guatemala pulled a goal back 10 minutes from time through Olger Escobar, who combined with Arquimides Ordonez before finishing low into the far corner.

The United States survived a tense finish to book a spot in Sunday's final in Houston against either Mexico or Honduras.

"I think we handled the pressure very well," United States manager Mauricio Pochettino said after the match. "This roster deserves massive credit for getting to the final. Now we need to prepare for the next game."

The former Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Tottenham boss singled out Luna for praise.

"Diego is a good example of someone who is desperate to play for this shirt and that's why he's at the level we saw today," Pochettino said.

"His attitude, hunger, desire and talent are clear. That's what we expect from all of our players." ■