Action from the World Cup qualifier between host Honduras (white jersey) and Mexico on November 17, 2015, in San Pedro Sula. (Photo: Mexsport)
CUERNAVACA, Mexico – One of Honduras’ greatest victories was achieved on September 6, 2013, when it earned a 2-1 win over host Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
The Catrachos became just the second-ever team to defeat Mexico on Mexican soil in a World Cup qualifier. On Tuesday, three years to the day of that momentous upset, Honduras will seek to replicate that result in last Group A match of fourth-round qualifying in CONCACAF for the 2018 FIFA World Cup,
Although his team only needs a draw to advance to the Hexagonal, Honduras goalkeeper Donis Escober said that defeating table-topping Mexico – once again – is the primary objective.
“First, we have to be focused on winning,” the 35-year-old Olimpia custodian said. “Later, if that result can’t be, at least to draw, which gives would give us passage.”
Second-place Honduras heads into the encounter riding a wave of confidence following Friday’s comeback 2-1 victory over visiting Canada, which gave it a three-point advantage over the North American side. The Hondurans also hold own a sizeable cushion in terms of goal difference, (0 to -5), meaning they could still advance even with a loss to Mexico and a Canadian win over El Salvador.
“Mentally the team is good after the result that was achieved in Honduras, but we know that we have a big responsibility,” stressed Escober. “We’re on a tough field against a national team that plays well and is one of the best of the region with players of great stature.”
Forward Antony Lozano, who has one goal in the current qualifying cycle, is certain that Honduras will looking to attack and strike early.
“We’ll come out with aggressiveness and eagerness,” the Tenerife standout finished. “Obviously, we are away from home and against a much more dangerous opponent. We are going to respect them a lot and we will work to get the result.”
Honduras is unbeaten in its last three qualifiers after opening with two straight losses, including a 2-0 setback to Mexico last November.
