Honduras 2-0 Mexico (15 Nov 2024) Match Analysis

On November 20, 2024By Littum

A brace off Luis Palma Friday worn Honduras to a 2-0 Concacaf Nations League win over Mexico in the first game of a quarterfinal series.

Mexico’s national coach Javier Aguirre was injured by a bottle thrown from the stands after the final whistle. The coach was seen bleeding as he went to the dressing room.

Held at Honduras’ Estadio Francisco Morazan in San Pedro Sula, the home side first dealt with an early setback after the midfielder Alexander Lopez picked up an injury that forced a 10th minute substitution. Despite the tactical change, Honduras found a way to keep up with Mexico in the rain-soaked clash.

Along with often encouraging the visitors to dive into tackles that led to mistakes in dangerous areas, ‘La H’ held Mexico to just one shot on target in the first half. Although Reinaldo Rueda’s men had two shots on target of their own in reply, the result remained unchanged in the quarter-final, which was 0-0 at half-time.

Whether due to adapting to the stormy conditions or seeking a more risk-averse approach, both teams were proactive in the second half.

El Tri were the first to take charge after the break. With more attacking pressure, Mexico almost found the back of the net after the winger Julian Quiñones launched a long shot in the 57th minute that skimmed the woodwork. Eager to make their own mark, Honduras were later revived with the additions of Yustin Arboleda and Palma from the bench.

Moments after being substituted, the game-changing moment came from Palma. After pouncing on a rebound from Edwin Rodriguez, Palma slotted the ball past the Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in the 64th minute to 1-0. With momentum now in his team’s favor, the Celtic forward was far from finished.

In the 83rd minute, Palma dribbled confidently down the left flank, cut in and then sent another shot past Ochoa — making it 2-0. Desperate to make an impact, Aguirre brought on two strikers as substitutes, but failed to change the result, which was cemented at the final whistle.

After tonight’s meeting in Honduras, both sides will travel to Toluca for the second leg of the Nations League quarter-finals, which Mexico will host on November 19.

The aggregate score from the two matches will decide a place in next spring’s semi-final round and also the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup tournament.

The losers of the quarter-final series have a second chance at Gold Cup qualification through a preliminary competition. Away goals are set as the first tiebreaker in the upcoming second leg, and if still tied, two halves of extra time will follow. If necessary, penalties will decide the winners of the quarter-finals.

Neither country has yet lifted a Nations League title. While Honduras’ best finish in the competition was third in 2021, Mexico have only missed out on a trophy as finalists in 2021 and 2024.