By Ivan Orozco

HOUSTON - Out to prove its semifinal appearance in 2007 was not a fluke, Guadeloupe is beginning to make converts. Wins over Panama and now Nicaragua has the Gwada Boys atop Group C - ahead of Mexico.

They've already claimed a berth in the quarterfinals and will get their chance to avenge the 2007 semifinal loss to El Tri on Sunday.

Nobody in the group - including Nicaragua -- has been eliminated, but Guadeloupe is in the unusual perch of No. 1. Two teams from each group advance along with the top two third-place teams.

"As far as the team being unknown when we reached the semis, so this time around the objective was to at least reach the semifinal stage," Guadeloupe coach Roger Salnot said. "In terms of others people's views, whereas in 2007 we were a surprise team, this year we're not a surprise team anymore and are a team that should be viewed as a potential favorite for the group stage."

Guadeloupe players have preached that attitude since the start of the tournament. They want to make sure the point gets through.

The small island in the Caribbean often goes unrecognized, especially in the soccer world since Guadeloupe is not recognized by FIFA, only CONCACAF.

There's no World Cup for these players, unless they are selected to the French senior team.

Guadeloupe is French territory, giving players eligibility to play for "Les Bleus."

"That motivates the players to go out and prove they have the quality to go farther in this tournament, at least to the semifinals," midfielder David Fleurival said. "We take it as fuel."

Guadeloupe will have its chance to make a significant expression Sunday in Phoenix when it takes on Mexico.

A win against El Tri would be colossal for Guadeloupe.

The players are confident they can compete with the best in CONCACAF.

"The Gold Cup is our World Cup," striker Loic Loval said. "If we win the Gold Cup, we're going to be recognized all around the world."

The timing could be just right for the Gwada Boys. Mexico is not the powerhouse regional teams were accustomed to seeing.

Mexico is coming off a 1-1 draw against Panama amid a chaotic episode that involved three player ejections and led to El Tri coach Javier Aguirre's ousting late in the match.

Regardless of the rival, Guadeloupe has the same message. It wants to prove the 2007 Gold Cup was legitimate.

Perhaps they've already proved it. But they want to make sure there are no mistakes about and they hope Mexico gets the message first hand.