World Cup qualifying for the 2014 games in Brazil resumes on Friday, September 6 and with each international team playing for a spot in the tournament, it's no secret that every passing minute of these qualifiers becomes more important than the last. Teams like the United States, Costa Rica, Germany and Italy are virtual locks for the World Cup as they currently lead their respective groups. While those teams continue to enjoy success, international clubs including Mexico, Honduras, Russia and England hope they can do enough to earn themselves a bid into the worldwide event come next summer.
Focusing on the CONCACAF Hexagonal, the USMNT leads the group with 13 points through 6 matches. Sitting 2 points clear of Costa Rica and 5 in front of Mexico, the United States has the lead in hand at the moment but with a talented Costa Rican team not far behind, things can surely change as qualification moves along. El Tri on the other hand sits in third and that's significant since the top 3 clubs in the group will automatically qualify for the tournament with the fourth place finisher forced to enter a playoff with New Zealand for the final spot. Set to take on Honduras - the current fourth place CONCACAF club - El Tri knows this match will be tough since a win for the Hondurans would - for the time being - launch them past El Tri for third position in the hexagonal.
When and Where to Watch Mexico vs. Honduras
Resuming their respective qualifying slates, El Tri and Honduras will meet at the Estadio Azteca on Friday, September 6 at 9:30pm, ET. Television coverage will be provided by UniMas and ESPNews. Those electing to watch the WCQ on-line can do so by following this link.
Player to Watch - El Tri: Javier Hernandez
Chicharito is clearly the go-to scoring threat for Coach Chepo de la Torre and El Tri. Despite the fact that the 25-year-old continues to play with maximum effort, the Mexican nationals have simply not done enough as a team to solidify their place in the upcoming World Cup. Though the team has not dropped a single match in 6 hexagonal qualifiers, 5 draws and only 1 win won't sit well with national team higher-ups and if El Tri should drop the upcoming contest to Honduras, Chepo de la Torre could once again be on the hot seat.
El Tri last played Honduras on March 22 in a WCQ, earning a 2-2 draw. Hernandez provided the team with a significant two-goal cushion thanks to tallies in the 28th and 54th minute but his defense wasn't able to hold the lead. Carlo Costly (77') and Jerry Bengtson (80') scored 3 minutes apart to tie the game, providing each club with a point in the standings. If El Tri expects to walk away with a three-point victory, Javier Hernandez will need to be on point once again while the Mexico defense must protect any lead they're given.
Player to Watch - Honduras: Jerry Bengtson
A current member of the New England Revolution, 26-year-old Jerry Bengtson has been a key contributor to the Honduran nationals since joining the team in 2010. Recording 16 goals in 33 total matches, the Santa Rosa de Aguan native continues to perform at a high level in 2013, leading Honduras with 7 goals. Recording a late goal in the last match against Mexico to help his side earn a draw, expect Bengtson to have another big role Friday night at the Azteca.
Honduras sits one point shy of El Tri for third place in the CONCACAF Hexagonal and another huge performance from the forward could spell trouble for Mexico and it may even be enough to move Honduras up in the standings.
Wrap Up
Catch the World Cup Qualifier between Mexico and Honduras on Friday, September 6 at 9:30pm, ET. Television coverage will be provided by UniMas and ESPNews with an on-line live stream offered through this link.
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