The Mexico vs Honduras World Cup qualifying match will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City this Friday, September 6, 2013 at 6:30 PM Pacific. This is a huge match. Mexico must win in order to remain in the top three spots of the CONCACAF Hexagonal. With just four matches remaining in the qualifiers, a draw or loss against Honduras would seriously jeopardize Mexico’s chances of participating in the Brazil World Cup.
[divider]Update[/divider]
Update: View the Mexico vs Honduras 1-2 AZTECAZO Highlights here.
[divider] [/divider]
2013 has been an awful year for the Mexican National Team and coach Chepo de la Torre. After six Hexagonal matches, Mexico has only won once, and tied the other five times, including all three games held at the Estadio Azteca. In the Confederations Cup, Mexico bowed out in the group stage after a string of bad performances. In the Gold Cup, Mexico was knocked out by Panama in the semifinals.
Through it all, Chepo de la Torre was able to maintain his position as head coach of the Mexican National Team. It appears the FEMEXFUT has decided Mexico will go to the World Cup with Chepo at the helm, or not go at all.
Friday’s match against Honduras at the Estadio Azteca will play a pivotal role in deciding whether Mexico, once CONCACAF’s undisputed giant, will go to the World Cup. Mexico currently sits in third place with 8 points. It is followed closely by Honduras (7 points) and Panama (6 points). Considering Mexico has two difficult away matches at USA and Costa Rica still left to play, it is absolutely vital that Mexico wins the match against Honduras.
Related News: CONCACAF Standings
A draw, coupled with a Panamanian victory over Jamaica would push Mexico to fourth place. A loss, coupled with a Panamanian victory would push Mexico all the way down to fifth. A victory would leave Mexico at least in third place, with its destiny firmly in its own hands.
The problem all throughout this 2013 has been Chepo’s inability to change his formation. However, after he was confirmed to stay as Mexico’s head coach after the Gold Cup debacle, Chepo promised to change his playing style. And so he did. In the friendly match against Ivory Coast, Chepo used a different, more effective formation that allowed Mexico to defeat the strong African squad 4-1.
FutnSoccer’s Kevin Torres expects Mexico to use a similar formation against Honduras. Here is the predicted starting lineup: Jesus Corona, Severo Meza, Diego Reyes (or Javier Rodriguez), Hector Moreno, Carlos Salcido, Gerardo Torrado, Christian Gimenez (or Andres Guardado), Fernado Arce, Giovani Dos Santos, Angel Reyna, Oribe Peralta (or Chicharito).
Related News: Mexico roster against Honduras and USA
Chepo knows that this match is probably the most important game that will be played in the Hexagonal, and he has been finally convinced that the previous 4-4-2 playing style he has been using is ineffective. The fans also know the game against Honduras is essential, that is why the Estadio Azteca has been sold out, expect to see 100,000+ fans cheering for Mexico in what could end up being a rainy night.
Mexico vs Honduras Prediction
A draw or loss for Mexico would be devastating. The players know it. The fans know it. Chepo knows it. And the FEMEXFUT and their financial backers know it. Mexico must win this match at all costs, and they have the talent and home advantage to do so.
Although Mexico has not won at home in the Hexagonal yet, the Estadio Azteca is still a formidable obstacle. Furthermore, they will be playing a Honduran squad that has lost all three of its away matches. Mexico has the talent, and Chepo appears to have found a successful formation. Look for Mexico to dominate possession, create plenty of scoring opportunities, and end up winning easily. There will be no drama at the Estadio Azteca. The Mexico vs Honduras match will end up 2-0 in favor of El Tri.
Mexico vs Honduras Television Schedule
The Mexico vs Honduras match will be televised on Unimas and ESPN News on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 6:30 PM Pacific.
Mexico vs Honduras Highlights
FutnSoccer will have the highlights of the match available soon after the conclusion of the game.
