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Mexico and Honduras took the pitch at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ to wrap up the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals.
Mexico got to this match by winning Group C, while Honduras made it out of Group A as a third place qualifier.
It was El Tri that received the better end of this game, earning a spot in the semifinals behind Rodolfo Pizarro’s early tap-in vs Los Catrachos.
Like many matches between Mexico and Central-American teams, things got chippy quickly.
In the opening moments of the game, Jesús Dueñas was taken down hard by Alfredo Mejia of Honduras. In retaliation, Edson Alvarez took down Mejia shortly after.
Head official Walter López brought out the yellow card early, with Romell Quioto of Honduras receiving it in the seventh minute. López went on to give five more but allowed the game to continue its physical nature.
Mexico never looked back despite legitimate opportunities for Honduras to equalize.It was in the fourth minute that Pizarro put Mexico up. He began the play by sending a cross from the right side. Orbelin Pineda found himself on the other end of the cross, bringing it down on the left side of the box. He then sent it towards the middle of the box to Dueñas, who then found Pizarro for the tap-in.
Rodolfo Pizarro’s Goal, First of Gold Cup
Rodolfo Pizarro puts #MEX up in the 4th minute with this goal. #GoldCup2017
https://t.co/5Aw7ZPwc7j— The AOSN (@TheAOSNcom) July 21, 2017
The first half showed Mexico control the ball, having as much as 60% of possession. The Honduras offense had been left with only four shots and none on goal in the opening period of play.
The second half started off with Honduras attacking. Much of this was thanks to Boniek Garcia, who replaced Carlos Sanchez at halftime. This gave the midfield much needed confidence.
In the 49th minute, Romell Quioto took a free kick that took a slight deflection at the wall. This caught Mexico’s Jesus Corona off guard and had to adjust quickly for the save.
For the next 25 minutes, both teams exchanged attacks, with very little being much of a threat to either side.
Honduras provided a few scares in the final minutes.
Alexander Lopez took a superb corner kick in the 78th minute, inches from equalizing with an Olimpico. Corona was able to stop the ball at the line, ending what could have been a disastrous outcome.
Lopez put together one last opportunity in added time, sending a free kick from the right side over the sea of bodies in the box. Henry Figueroa stopped the ball from going out of bounds, heading back towards the middle of the box. Mejia is able to get a shot off with the outside of his right foot, which ended up just outside of the far post.
The whistle blew moments later, sending Mexico to the semifinals for the sixth straight time.
The Positive and the Negative
Mexico’s dream start did not end up so dreamy. Despite the victory, Mexico struggled to continue any successful attack against Honduras. There was plenty of indecision from Mexico in the final third, taking one too many passes or taking too long to take shots. On the bright side, the defense was stingy enough to elude danger from Honduras’ offense. It was enough to get El Tri into the semifinals.
If Mexico are bound go keep moving forward, getting past Jamaica will consist of more offensive productivity (obviously). Elias Hernandez was still very much a threat on the wing, working well with Pizarro. Better crosses and finishes could be key against Jamaica.
Honduras fought valiantly and stood toe-to-toe against Mexico. The first half showed a lack of pass completion. Potential counters ended quickly without crisp and accurate passing. Honduras provided themselves with enough opportunities throughout the game but it just wasn’t enough.
What’s Next for Both Teams in the Gold Cup?
For Honduras, a trip back home.
Mexico will now face Jamaica at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA in the semifinals. Jamaica, who placed second in Group C, had beaten Canada 2-1 in their quarterfinal match. Both teams met in Denver, CO in the group stage, ending with a scoreless draw.
Costa Rica and the United States will meet in the other semifinal match in Arlington, TX at AT&T Stadium.
For more 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup coverage, check our Live Blog and follow us on Twitter @TheAOSNcom!