Mexico Melt in Honduras, US Freeze out Costa Rica in 2014 World Cup Qualifying FIFA.com
go to original March 22, 2013

Honduras keep hold of top spot in the six-team CONCACAF Hexagonal standings after a come-from-behind draw against struggling Mexico in sweltering temperatures in San Pedro Sula. USA rebounded from their opening-day loss to win in wintry conditions against Costa Rica, while Jamaica let a lead slip away in their Kingston home debut, drawing 1-1 against plucky Panama.

The big game

Honduras 2-2 Mexico: The Mexicans looked to be cruising to a simple win in Honduras when, suddenly, everything went wrong. Manchester United danger-man Javier Chicharito Hernandez scored El Tri’s first goals of the Hexagonal with a pair of predatory strikes – one with his head and one with his foot – to build a firm 2-0 lead. After 76 minutes, however, the Hondurans, who beat USA last month, sprang to life. Carlo Costly rose like a salmon to head home a corner-kick before Jerry Bengtson hit home from the spot to draw level just three minutes later. Chicharito and strike partner Gio dos Santos could only watch on helplessly from the bench – both subbed out with muscle cramps on a hot and steamy afternoon – as their three points turned to one.

In other action

Far from the sweltering mid-day action in Honduras, the High Rockies of Colorado – venue for USA’s 1-0 win over Costa Rica – was a wintry mess. The game was played in blizzard conditions, and they suited the Americans who had a point to prove after heavy criticism in the press following the defeat in Honduras. Clint Dempsey opened the scoring after 16 minutes when he latched on to a deflected shot from Jozy Altidore to poke home into an open net.  As snow continued to fall and pile up on the pitch, the referee stopped the game briefly in the 55th minute before allowing play to continue. It wasn’t the prettiest football match you’ll ever see, but it was one to remember for the gritty Americans and their hearty fans.

Jamaica were oozing sunshine and confidence in their first home game of the campaign, and they looked to be on their way to a first-ever win against Panama in qualifying when Marvin Elliott nodded home after 22 minutes. But a lapse in concentration allowed the Panamanians to grab an equaliser in the 65th minute through Luis Henriquez. The game ended at there at 1-1, a second straight draw for both sides.

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