The USA vs Honduras World Cup qualifying match will take place this Tuesday, June 18, 2013 (6:00 PM Pacific) at the Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. The USMNT is coming off the best match it has played in the Hexagonal, a 2-0 victory over Panama. Honduras is visiting the USA after having defeated Jamaica 2-0 at home, and will be looking for the upset.
Klinsmann’s team is 2 for 2 so far in Hexagonal matches this June, looking to add a third consecutive victory in the USA vs Honduras game. The USMNT started off June’s qualifiers with a 2-1 heart attack inducing away victory in Kingston. Although the US got the three points, the victory over the Jamaicans was not perfect. The USA could have assured the three points early on, but instead let the Reggae Boyz back into the game. The overall play was scrappy, and left many doubters in the USA camp.
The victory over Panama settled everything though, the USMNT played a great match, dominating possession, creating plenty of scoring opportunities, and limiting the Panamanian attack. It was, by far, the best game in the Klinsmann era. For the first time in many months, the USA looked completely in control of the match. Now, the Americans need to take that confidence into the USA vs Honduras match, and earn the third straight qualifying win. A win that would put them as the uncontested leaders of the Hexagonal.
It is also important to note that Altidore scored once again, making it the third consecutive match he scores for the USMNT (Germany, Jamaica, and Panama). With the offensive vacuum that the lack of Donovan created, it was time for a talented America striker to step up and take the lead in the attack. Altidore, a very talented striker that has been dominating in Holland fits the role perfectly (can you imagine how good the US offense will be once Donovan returns?).
Honduras currently has 7 points and finds itself in 4th place, just 1 point below Mexico. Honduras has been fantastic at home, defeating USA and Jamaica, and drawing against Mexico. Their away games are the complete opposite though. Honduras has been defeated by Costa Rica and Panama, and has been unable to score an away goal. This team simply does not play well away from San Pedro Sula. Now, Honduras will have the almost impossible task of trying to get a point against a red-hot, motivated USMNT squad that can see a spot for Brazil in its near future.
USA vs Honduras 2013 Prediction
The victory over Panama was a turning point for the USMNT, the players finally played well for the entire match, generated plenty of scoring opportunities, and simply dominated Panama. Against Honduras, they will face a squad that does not travel well, will likely bunker up, and will play a rough and physical match. The USA will dominate the match and should come out with the victory.
The USA vs Honduras match will end with a 2-0 victory for the USA. Honduras has been awful away from home, and the USA always wins at home, even when it isn’t playing as well, now that it is, a win is all but guaranteed.
USA vs Honduras Television
The USA vs Honduras match will be televised on ESPN and Unimas on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at 6:00 PM Pacific.
