Action from the World Cup qualifier between host Honduras (white jersey) and Costa Rica on March 24, 2017, at the Estadio Francisco Morazán in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras – Honduras head coach Jorge Luis Pinto was happy to see a more balanced performance from his team in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against visiting Costa Rica in matchday four of the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
After last Friday’s 6-0 loss at the United States, the Central American champion looked to establish a more cohesive attack against the Ticos and rediscover defensive stability.
“We had the plan,” said Pinto. “In defense, we have controlled Costa Rica and in attack we have been very good. I think [the players] have minimized the errors. They scored on us from a dead ball.”
The result – combined with Trinidad & Tobago’s 1-0 loss to first-place Mexico – lifted Honduras (1W-1D-2L) from last to fifth place in the Hexagonal with six matches remaining on the schedule.
“I think that Honduras played a good game,” Pinto finished. “It’s not easy attacking a structured team and one that does such good tactical work. Costa Rica is a national team with a built-up work base. Each player has more than 50 international matches.”
Honduras returns to qualifying play on June 8 at Mexico.
