What: 2011 Gold Cup Semi-final
Who: Honduras vs. Mexico
When: Wednesday 22nd June, 2011, at 22:00 EST (03:00 UK Time; 23rd June)
Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA
Catrachos Rising
Honduras’ semi-final appearance at the 2011 Gold Cup is another step in the right direction for a side that has vastly improved in recent years. After performing well at the last Gold Cup in 2009, where the side reached the semi-finals, Honduras went on to qualify for the 2010 World Cup and earlier this year won the Copa Centroamericana. And this semi-final date with Mexico is a huge opportunity for Luis Fernando Suarez’ side to challenge the traditional hierarchy of CONCACAF, the duopoly of Mexico and the United States.
Honduras’ performances in this Gold Cup have been a mixed bag. The group stage saw the team stumble out of the gates with a 0-0 draw against Guatemala, followed by a 7-1 win against an over-matched Grenada side, before the team came back down to earth with a 1-0 loss to Jamaica. The Catrachos finished second in Group B and were paired with Costa Rica in the quarter-finals.
There Honduras acquitted themselves well as they eventually survived a dramatic match full of twists and turns and came out winners in a shoot-out. Honduras’ Colombian boss Suarez believes that match was a turning point for his team saying: “Of the five games I have coached this team, this has been the most complete performance. It’s been constant growth.”
Mexican Renaissance
Though they may have not taken on the stiffest competition in their Group A encounters at the 2011 Gold Cup, Mexico’s complete performances and comprehensive victories made them the team to beat going into the knockout rounds. In the quarter-finals against Guatemala however, the team endured a stuttering first half performance which saw Jose Manuel de la Torres’ side fall behind to an early goal.
The response by the team in the second half though was superb as Mexico came back with two goals to clinch a place in the semi-finals. It was a triumph over adversity for a squad that has endured some turmoil in this competition with five squad members being banned earlier in the tournament through testing positive for a banned substance. The comeback win against Guatemala also was important as De la Torre earned instant respect from Mexican supporters as his half time tactical moves changed the course of the match.
If Mexico can reproduce their sizzling Group A displays then there may be no team able to stop their charge to the title. De la Torre paid tribute to his side following the win over Guatemala: “The team knows it can win against any adversity if it wants to be champion. We knew it would be a difficult match and they would be a difficult opponent.”
Recent form
Honduras:
Grenada 1-7 Honduras (10/06; Group B, Gold Cup)
Jamaica 1-0 Honduras (13/06; Group B, Gold Cup)
Honduras 1-1 Costa Rica (4-2 pens, AET – 18/06; quarter-final, Gold Cup)
Mexico:
Mexico 5-0 Cuba (09/06; Group A, Gold Cup)
Mexico 4-1 Costa Rica (12/06; Group A, Gold Cup)
Mexico 2-1 Guatemala (18/06; quarter-final, Gold Cup)
Key absences
Honduras: None
Mexico: Guillermo Ochoa; Francisco Rodriguez; Edgar Duenas; Christian Bermudez; Sinha
Players to watch
Honduras – Jerry Bengtson: The hero for Honduras in the quarter-finals, Bengtson not only provided the opener for his country, but also converted the decisive spot-kick in the shoot-out to send the Central Americans into the final four of the competition. The 24-year-old plies his trade for Motagua in the Honduran league and is currently in the midst of the best form in his career. After scoring 15 goals for Motagua this season in 22 appearances, Bengston has scored four of his five international goals in the past month. His three goals tie him with Carlo Costly for the team lead at the Gold Cup and he could be the main man in attack that Honduras look to in order to find a way past the Mexican backline.
Mexico – Javier Hernandez: A season to remember continues for "Chicharito" as the young star has had an impressive Gold Cup to date. He has epitomised a Mexican team full of energy and vibrancy, leading the way with six goals thus far, a tournament best. Hernandez’ movement, quickness, and finishing have been terrorising defenders in this competition and his winner against Guatemala in the quarter-finals was a fine effort as he backheeled home from close range. The striker has shown this past season with Manchester United that he can produce the goods on the big stage, and Mexico will be looking for Hernandez to lead them to a spot in the final.
Match Prediction
Based purely on current form, Mexico must be favourites going into this intriguing semi-final. De la Torre’s men have produced some good football in this competition and despite a below par first half performance in the quarter-final against Guatemala, the Mexicans have been quite impressive overall. But Honduras have proven they are the third best side in the region at the moment behind the United States and Mexico and will be no pushovers as they fight for a place in the final. Mexico may have trouble with the capable Catrachos, but in the end the Tricolor will book their spot in the 2011 Gold Cup final. Honduras 1-2 Mexico.
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