Honduras midfielder Mario Martinez (white jersey) has scored one goal in CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. (Photo: CA-Images)
FORT MYERS, Florida – Since Honduras defeated the host United States, 3-2, in a World Cup qualifier on September 1, 2001, it has suffered seven straight away defeats in competitive matches against the Americans.
A new opportunity to end that skid awaits Honduras (1W-0D-1L, 3 points) on Friday, when it visits the U.S. (0-0-2, 0) in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California.
“Seeing the group that we have you can see there is a winning desire, the hunger to win three points here,” Honduras midfielder Mario Martinez said to reporters on Wednesday at the team’s training camp. “They’re a great national team and great players. This is a wonderful opportunity we have to break that streak that says we do not win here.”
Through the first two matchdays of the CONCACAF Hexagonal, the current Central American champion sits fourth, while the U.S. is searching for its first points.
Martinez – capped 64 times -- believes that the next two matches, including one against visiting Costa Rica on March 28, can serve as the spark to push Honduras toward a third straight World Cup appearance.
“It is a chance to show everyone that Honduras has a hunger to win and to go to another World Cup,” finished the 27-year-old. “I think there is a capacity to play two great games. To win here (in the U.S.), you have to show it.”
USA v HONDURAS
(results in competitive matches played between them in the USA since January 1, 2002)
July 21, 2005: USA 2, Honduras 1 (CONCACAF Gold Cup, semifinals)
June 6, 2009: USA 2, Honduras 1 (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
July 8, 2009: USA 2, Honduras 0 (CONCACAF Gold Cup, group stage)
June 18, 2013: USA 1, Honduras 0 (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
July 23, 2009: USA 2, Honduras 0 (CONCACAF Gold Cup, semifinals)
July 24, 2013: USA 3, Honduras 1 (CONCACAF Gold Cup, semifinals)
July 7, 2015: USA 2, Honduras 1 (CONCACAF Gold Cup, group stage)
