SoccerAmerica - De Nigris and 'Chicharito' rescue Tri 06/23/2011

[MEXICO-HONDURAS] For the third straight time, Mexico will meet the USA in the final of the Gold Cup, advancing to Saturday's championship game at the Rose Bowl with a 2-0 win over Honduras in overtime on goals by Aldo de Nigris and Javier Hernandez.

After breezing through the group stage, Mexico has been now stretched by its next two opponents, first Guatemala in the quarterfinals and now Honduras in the semifinals.

The Catrachos held their ground until Mexico scored off a pair of corner kicks -- first de Nigris met Pablo Barrera's ball in the 93rd minute and then he nodded Barrera's ball on to Hernandez for the second goal six minutes later.

Paul Aguilar -- one of three players brought in as replacement players for those banned for doping violations -- then had a chance to put the game away but hit the crossbar.

The game produced nine yellow cards and one red to Sporting Kansas City's Roger Espinoza in the 115th minute.

June 22 in Houston
Mexico 2 Honduras 0. Goals: de Nigris 93, J.Hernandez 99.
Mexico -- Talavera, Salcido (Nilo, 56), Moreno, Marquez, Juarez, Guardado (de Nigris, 53), Torrado, Castro, Barrera, dos Santos, J.Hernandez.
Honduras -- Valladares, J.C. Garcia, Bernardez (Leveron, 46), Chavez, Sabillon, Portillo (Nunez, 61), Espinoza, Thomas, Mejia, O.Garcia, Bengtson (Costly, 71).
Red Card: Honduras -- Espinoza 115.
Referee: Walter Lopez (Guatemala).
Att.: 70,627.

0 comments

Ric Fonseca

commented on: June 23, 2011 at 12:47 p.m.

Hey Paul Kennedy, is this "all" you have to write about Mexico's win? As for the two previous Central Amnerican national teams, Guatemala and Honduras, you sure as heck are or "seem" reluctant to give them credit, as both sides view Mexico as being el "gigante del norte" and always ratch up their game whenever they play Mexico, and just like when the US, many years ago, would face Mexico, we'd also up our game to give Mexico more than a game - so we'd see Mexico as "el gigante del sur" as far as soccer is concerned. So bottom line, is that both teams did give Mexico a helluva run for its dinero, and to hold them to low scoring at least through regulation time is indeed a feather in their cap. Funny no one in SA talks about the "bunker down mentality" of the two teams with somewhat lucky or weak counters. Lastly, Paul, please clarify to the readers of this august sports journal that the second "doping" testing of the five Mexican players, was deemed negative - the test having been conducted at UCLA's doping testing lab, and please stop painting them with one huge and broad paint brush!

David Huff

commented on: June 23, 2011 at 1:58 p.m.

One other comment in addition to Ric's, on the match report, I thought Espinoza received a yellow not a red card during stoppage time?

Amos Annan

commented on: June 23, 2011 at 3:24 p.m.

Surprised again at the Bob Bradley critics. Believe most of these critics have little knowledge (outside of TV coverage) on the merits of each player. Amazing how the only way to please most fans is by winning every game by large margins.

Amos Annan

commented on: June 23, 2011 at 3:26 p.m.

Perhaps Bob Bradley rested Donovan because he felt the US could win without him against Panama, and save Donovan for the final with Mexico in a few days!

Amos Annan

commented on: June 23, 2011 at 3:28 p.m.

Freddy Adu is not 22. As with almost every African immigrant player (and many other 3rd world countries), they all try to take advantage of the American system by lying about age. Being a year or two younger is most always an advantage in Sports and the education system. Official "Birth Certificates" can be bought in these countries with any birth date you want for about $20.

David Huff

commented on: June 23, 2011 at 7:46 p.m.

@Amos, the thought did cross my mind that Landon Donovan has been held out to allow maximum rest for the very uphill climb against what may be one of Mexico's most talented squad's ever. He's gonna have to 'bring it' or the USMNT will be in dire straits.

ckg beautiful game

commented on: June 23, 2011 at 7:53 p.m.

If we lose track of the #9, which we have done in the past or #14 or #18 if he is healthy it will be a long night. But I think the US will somehow win.

Luis Arreola

commented on: June 24, 2011 at 6:48 p.m.

Prediction 3-0 PR 4-1 win for Mexico.

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