The Honduras vs Haiti Gold Cup 2013 match will take place on Monday, July 8, 2013 (6:30 PM Pacific) at the Red Bull Arena in New York. Honduras and Haiti share Group B with El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago; the first two teams will automatically qualify to the quarterfinals, the third place team might also qualify, pending results in other groups. As the only team currently in the Hexagonal, Honduras is expected to win the group.
Due to Honduras’ already congested schedule (World Cup Qualifiers), Honduran head coach, Luis Fernando Suarez, decided to bring in a “B” or alternate squad into the Gold Cup. Most of the roster is composed of players that play in the Honduran league, and few of the stars that have played in the Hexagonal matches will be present. Nonetheless, Honduras is still a favorite to win Group B, and make a deep run in the Gold Cup.
This will be Honduras’ starting lineup in the Honduras vs Haiti match (confirmed by coach Suarez):
Goalkeeper Donis Escober, on defense Osman Chávez, Jhonny Palacios, Brayan Beckeles and Juan Carlos García. Midfield, Andy Najar, Jorge Claros, Edder Delgado and Mario Martínez. Forwards Rony Martínez and Roger Rojas.
The Hondurans will face a limited Haitian squad that has a roster filled with professional and semi-professional players. Nonetheless, the Caribbean squad should not be taken lightly, they have powerful players that know that the Gold Cup is a great opportunity to potentially be discovered by scouts.
Haiti classified to the Gold Cup by winning their group in last year’s Caribbean Cup, where they went undefeated in group play. Recently, Haiti drew Italy 2-2 and lost to Spain 1-2 in early June, prior to the start of the Confederations Cup. Although somewhat limited in talent, this Haitian squad can put up a stiff fight and will not be easily defeated by Honduras.
Honduras vs Haiti Prediction
The Honduras vs Haiti match will be a close encounter, as Haiti will pull back and hope to counterattack the Honduran squad. The Haitians know that a draw would be a huge result, putting them in a position where a single victory over either Trinidad & Tobago or El Salvador would put them through to the quarterfinals.
The match will end in a 1-1 draw. Haiti has proven in recent friendlies that they are a tough squad to beat, and the fact that Honduras will be fielding a “B” squad that hasn’t had much playing time, will be the deciding factors. However, I would not be surprised with a Honduran victory of course, although I am leaning towards a draw.
Honduras vs Haiti Television
The Honduras vs Haiti match will be televised on Univision Deportes and Fox Soccer Channel on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 6:30 PM Pacific.
