MEXICO vs HONDURAS THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE PICK
Mexico will look to silence critics with a good performance as they face Honduras in the next stage of the 2021 Gold Cup. El Tri hasn’t looked dominant in its group games and has left fans with more questions than answers. For their part, La H snapped a four game unbeaten streak, falling to Qatar in the last game of their group stage. The loss also cost Honduras the groups 1st place, leading to the match up with the Aztecas.
Let’s look at the good, the bad, and the picks for this game
THE GOOD
El Tri comes into the game not having given up a goal in their last six games. Alfredo Talavera has yet to be tested in this tournament and has only faced three shots on target. Salcedo and Moreno have done a decent job maintaining the back line the past two games.
Honduras was an enigma coming into the tournament, fielding a combination of youth and experience that played exceptionally at times this tournament. The combination of young Kevin Alvarez and Maynor Figueroa has blossomed into a solid partnership that may anchor La H’s backline during qualifying.
THE BAD
El Tri has only scored four goals so far this tournament. That is very bad. Five of the remaining eight teams this tournament have scored more goals than El Tri. The loss of El Chucky in the first game of the tournament has shaken El Tri’s already damaged confidence. The front three of Pineda, Funes Mori , and Tecatito have shown glimpses of what they can do, but the fact that they’ve only played two games as a unit is apparent. If Mexico hopes to go far in the tournament, those three will really have to step up their game.
Honduras was exposed in their last match against Qatar. The future World Cup host shocked La H in their last game of the group stage. Honduras’ coach made a few changes to the squad that may have cost his team the group. Even worse, Qatar set the blueprint for exposing Honduras’ weaknesses, and a tougher more talented team ( like El Tri) can take that gameplan and give Honduras severe headaches.
THE PICKS
Mexico is still the heavy favorite in this tournament and this game’s Money Line backs that. Again, @-250, a bet on Mexico to win may not be that profitable. If you believe La H will pull the upset, taking them @+800 will give you a huge payout. Still I’m taking El Tri to win and advance.
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