Honduras secured what could be a crucial victory against El Salvador in their last CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying fixture, but there is still a lot of work to be done before Jorge Luis Pinto and his players can secure qualification to the next round.
Boniek Garcia and Rommel Quioto proved to be the heroes as Honduras secured a deserved three points against the same El Salvador side they drew 2-2 against just four days earlier.
Honduras have managed to resurrect their hopes of qualifying for their third consecutive World Cup which is set to be held in Russia despite the scandal surrounding its selection as a hosts.
However, with the remaining fixtures seeing Honduras face Canada at home before travelling to Group A’s runaway leaders Mexico, it will take a big effort from Pinto and the players in order to get over the line. Bookies.com may consider Honduras to be in pole position, but the team cannot afford to lose their next game against Canada otherwise it could be curtains.
The 1-0 defeat in Vancouver last November illustrates that Honduras will have to put in a strong performance in order to gain revenge, with the result carrying the potential to determine who progresses to the 5th Round alongside Mexico.
Going into the final game in second place against a team that have already finished first could be important, but victory against Canada would give Honduras a significant advantage on goal difference; it could force Canada to win their final game by a convincing margin, although the goal swing could be affected if Honduras are unable to stop Mexico from scoring.
Pinto will be able to call upon Emilio Izaguirre following his returning from injury, with the Celtic left-back an integral player for club and country. His fans may consider the free bet options listed on Bookies.com to back Izaguirre to win another Scottish Premier League title next season, but his current focus will be on playing a big role in Honduras’ hopes of continuing their World Cup qualifying adventure.
Canada have only score one goal so far, but Pinto’s team will have to be strong in defence and hope that the likes of Anthony Lozano and young prospect Alberto Elis find the back of the net. Lozano has enjoyed a relatively successful season on loan at Spanish Segunda Division side Tenerife, with eight goals in twenty-nine appearances representing a good return. The striker could hold the key for Honduras, and Lozano could pick no greater opportunity to add to the five goals he has already scored in the national team colours.