USA |
2 - 1
This match has ended. Upcoming related matches:
|
Honduras |
| Country | Channels |
|---|---|
| International | OmniSportTV |
| United States | Galavision, ESPN, ESPN3 USA, ESPNU |
| *Don't see your country or favourite channel listed? Let us know and we will include it. | |
| Country | Date/Time (US/Eastern) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Mon, Jun 08 14:00pm | ESPNU |
| *Don't see your country or favourite channel listed? Let us know and we will include it. | ||
The Yankees stunned El Salvador on March 28 with a spirited comeback, rising from 2-0 down after 72 minutes to level 2-2 with only three minutes of normal time remaining. The United States then went on to trample Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 on April 1st, thanks to Jozy Altidore’s hat-trick. These two results, which kept the USA at the top of the CONCACAF qualifying group with seven points, have by all means revealed the true side of the Yankees’ strength in mentality. This is a united team where belief and determination to reach the skies are two living notions.
USA’s captain, Bocanegra, praised the efforts of the country’s national team while speaking to Fifa.com: “We have won our two home games (against Mexico then Trinidad & Tobago) but we were disappointed with the draw in El Salvador. It just shows that on the world stage, the supposed smaller countries are not easy to play against.”
"We have a dynamic coach (Bob Bradley), the players are friends off the pitch so we know each other well - that shows in our performances on the pitch. It's a great team effort,"
"We are happy with the start we have made but we know there is a lot of work left to do. We just have to keep going and keep approaching these games with the right mentality."
Bocanegra continued: "Each one of them is getting better and it's not easy for these bigger teams to just turn up and expect to beat them. We have to focus just as much in these games,"
After a trip to nearest rivals Costa Rica in the first week of June, the United States will have to welcome Honduras. It will be the United States’ last qualifying game until August 12. Bob Bradley’s boys will have to make a trip to South Africa in between for the Confederations Cup tournament. The coach will want his team to keep their good form and ultimately travel to South Africa once again – this time for the World Cup finals in one year’s time.
The United State’s team is on high at present, but much of the credits should be given to their coach Bob Bradley. The manager – who took over since January 2007 has led the Yankees to a series of victories and has made sorrows from defeats a rare thing in the camp. Bradley’s policy of working with several players has proven to work out for him and the squad. The coach has given a first national appearance to up to 31 players and has worked with over 70 different players. Among the United States’ new faces is Jozy Altidore – whose presence in the national team was vital in two of the country’s qualifiers this year. The USA squad might fill in more uncapped prospects in the name of Zak Whitbread, Stuart Holden or even goalkeeper Matt Pickens for the upcoming qualifiers.
The 19-year-old American striker has grown up to become a true sensation. His four goals (three came against Trinidad and Tobago, while one steered the USA to a stunning comeback against El Salvador) were priceless and hugely important for the United States who are aiming to head to South Africa. Jozy Altidore had to undergo surgery on both of his big toes in the middle of April, which kept him out for a month. However, the Villareal striker – who is on loan to Xerez – might be available for the Yankees’ game against Honduras. Honduras’ defense will have to be careful before the number 17 forward demolishes their fortress.
Honduras will be sorry to have let away a 1-0 lead slip away at the 90th minute against Trinidad and Tobago back in March. But Los Catrachos came up much stronger in the next game by defeating Mexico 3-1 to add to Sven Goran Eriksson’s worries. Honduras are now third in the table with 4 points from a possible 9. However, if they missed some glorious opportunities to better their World Cup qualifying campaign, they can also look back at a wonderful victory over Mexico. This win will surely boost their confidence ahead of their clash against El Tri’s rivals, the United States of America. History is certainly not on Honduras’ side in terms of head to head. Los Catrachos must master five good wins to match the USA’s record against them. Victory away to the Americans could be the start of betterment.