The Honduras vs Costa Rica CONCACAF qualifying match will take place this Friday, October 11, 2013 (2:00 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Olimpico in San Pedro Sula. This heated Central American rivalry will be extremely important for Honduras, depending on the Mexico vs Panama result, a victory could lead to their qualification in to the World Cup.
Honduras currently sits in third place of the Hexagonal with 11 points, three points ahead of both Mexico and Panama. A win over Costa Rica combined with a draw between Mexico and Panama would mean Honduras would be guaranteed the third place, and a spot in Brazil. A draw or a loss might place the automatic berth to the World Cup at risk, though a spot in the intercontinental playoff against New Zealand is all but guaranteed.
Honduras is undefeated at home with two draws and two victories. Honduras has displayed its best soccer in front of their home fans and the suffocating heat of San Pedro Sula (expected to hit 95 F during the game). Coach Luis Suarez knows that a victory over Costa Rica would surely secure them a spot in the World Cup, regardless of the score in the Mexico vs Panama match. If Honduras were to defeat Costa Rica, they would have to at least earn a draw at Jamaica in order to automatically earn a spot in Brazil.
Related News: Mexico vs Panama Prediction
With 15 points through eight matches, Costa Rica has already qualified to the World Cup. Nonetheless, they have brought on their best team to San Pedro Sula, hoping to spoil the party of their Central American rivals.Coach Pinto has stated that Costa Rica will not give away points in any of its last two remaining matches (the other a home game against Mexico). It will be interesting to see how focused his players will be. Although Costa Rica has already qualified, the final standing in the Hexagonal might play big role in how the Ticos are seeded in the World Cup.
Honduras vs Costa Rica Prediction
This is a match of epic proportions for Honduras, a victory would nearly guarantee them a spot in the World Cup. Nonetheless, Honduras could potentially crumble under the pressure of such an important match. In the last home game against Panama, Honduras failed to follow up the historic Aztecazo with a victory, and instead ended up tying the Canaleros 2-2. Will we see a similar display against Costa Rica?
I don’t believe so. With Costa Rica already qualified, playing in a very hostile environment and in high heat, I expect the Ticos will simply not be at the same intensity level as the Hondurans. Look for Honduras to play a fast-paced style that will eventually earn them a historic victory. The Honduras vs Costa Rica match will end in a 2-1 victory for La H, leaving Panama and Mexico fighting for the 4th placed intercontinental playoff spot.
Honduras vs Costa Rica TV Schedule
The Honduras vs Costa Rica qualifier will be televised this Friday, October 11, 2013 on beIN Sport at 2:00 PM Pacific.
