Mexico (National Football)

Honduras head into Tuesday's clash with Mexico with their FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

They need to better the result of Panama in the final group match. As things stand, Panama occupy fourth and a play-off spot, and they know a win against Costa Rica would secure that position at least. Honduras, therefore, have it all to do.

Especially given they will be going up against runaway leaders Mexico. Still, there's a chance for Honduras, and the atmosphere at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano should be befitting of a crucial fixture.

Read on for all the details needed on where to catch the match and a closer look at how this CONCACAF qualifier will likely pan out.

Date: Tuesday, October 10

Time: 8 p.m. (ET), 5 p.m. (PT), 1 a.m. (BST, October 11)

TV Info: beIN Sports (U.S.)

Live Stream: beIN Sports Connect (U.S.)

              

Preview 

Honduras looked poised to be in a play-off position heading into the final set of fixtures, as with 95 minutes on the clock in their previous match with Costa Rica, they were closing in on a 1-0 win.

But Costa Rica struck deep into injury time, securing their own place in the automatic qualification positions and dealing a huge blow to Honduras' chances in the process. Here's a look at one of the most significant moments in this year's CONCACAF qualification, per Goal:

🙌 ABSOLUTE SCENES! 🙌

Costa Rica's 94th minute equaliser against Honduras sends them to the World Cup! pic.twitter.com/BhGuVhsldh

— GOAL (@goal) October 8, 2017

For manager Jose Luis Pinto, rallying his players after such a devastating end to that game will be difficult.

Still, there's nothing for them to lose here. Los Catrachos need to go all out for victory, while those in attendance will have a keen eye on developments elsewhere.

It's going to be intriguing to see how Mexico approach the game, as they've done all they can in the Hexagonal. Juan Carlos Osorio's side have yet to lose in this year's edition, and while they were far from their best in their previous match against Trinidad & Tobago, they showed spirit to battle back and win 3-1.

As noted by Tom Marshall of ESPN, while the Hexagonal has been straightforward for Mexico, it's been a long time since they finished top of the pile:

Mexico finishes the Hex stage of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying in 1st place for the first time since France 1998 #eltrieng 🇲🇽👏

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) October 8, 2017

Whether that same level of application will be there on Tuesday away from home against an opponent determined to win is hard to predict.

After all, Osorio may use this match as a chance to look at some players who have been unable to earn first-team chances for much of qualifying. With their World Cup status secured for 2018, El Tri will need to begin thinking about what blueprint will be their best chance of success in Russia, starting in San Pedro Sula on Tuesday.

If changes are made that should give Honduras some more confidence heading into the game, especially considering they performed well against Costa Rica for long spells.

Should Honduras get on the scoresheet early news may filter through to Panama and subsequent pressure may hinder their display. 

Even so, whatever side Osorio puts out will be organised, dangerous going forward and determined to end their campaign with a positive result. Expect another frustrating night for Honduras, who will be left to lament conceding that last-gasp goal against Los Ticos.

Prediction: Honduras 1-1 Mexico

Having already qualified for the 2018 World Cup, Mexico was given a surprisingly tough test from Trinidad and Tobago before Javier Hernandez's rebound goal in the 88th minute gave his squad the lead for good in a 3-1 win in Friday's CONCACAF showdown.

Mexico closed with an offensive flourish, scoring all three of its goals in the span of 15 minutes. 

After a scoreless first half, Shahdon Winchester got the Soca Warriors on the board with a perfectly placed shot over the head of Mexico keeper Jose Corona in the 66th minute.

Chucky Lozano evened the score for Mexico in the 78th minute. Chicarito's follow-up header 12 minutes later helped the Mexican squad avoid defeat. Hector Herrera added insurance in the final minute of play. 

Mexico came into Friday leading the current CONCACAF World Cup qualifying standings with 18 points and a plus-eight goal differential through its first eight matches. Trinidad and Tobago, on the other hand, had a 1-0-7 record and had been outscored by 11 goals before giving Mexico all it could handle.

This was the first match for both countries since Sept. 5. Mexico tied Costa Rica, currently in second place with 15 points in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying standings, in its last test. 

Trinidad and Tobago's lone win in qualifying was on Mar. 24 against Panama, which is fighting for its World Cup life with hopes of advancing to the inter-confederation playoffs next month. Dennis Lawrence's squad was playing for pride having already been eliminated from a chance at advancing to Russia next year. 

One of the big questions for Mexico coming into Saturday was finding someone in the midfield to step up. Herrera was given the role in the Confederations Cup and has had his ups and downs, not being afraid to set the pace with the ball but also being limited on defense. 

Herrera's free-kick goal in extra time was a feather in his cap to impress manager Juan Carlos Osorio.

It’s late but holy smoke did Hector Herrera just wake up the neighbors with that free kick for Mexico. Gorgeous painting

— Nicholas Mendola (@NicholasMendola) October 7, 2017

Hernandez's goal was fitting after he commented coming into the match against Trinidad and Tobago how important it was for Mexico to make it through the CONCACAF Hexagonal with an unbeaten record. 

"Four years ago we weren't the worst in history and now we aren't the best," he said, via ESPN FC's Tom Marshall. "We hope to qualify undefeated."

One reason for Hernandez and Mexico wanting to go out strong is history. Mexico is now one point away from tying the country's best Hex total of 22 points, set in 2006. 

"There’s the great chance to finish first in the final Hexagonal and complete this qualification cycle in a healthy way like we always talk about," Osorio told Jon Arnold of Goal.com. "Our goal, as it’s been during this work, always is to get at least four points of the six possible. We’re going to try to make it six. The plan this week has been very positive for the group."

Mexico has one match remaining against Honduras on Tuesday to accomplish the feat. It's already one of the 11 countries that has a spot in Russia for the World Cup:

#WorldCup line-up so far

🇷🇺Russia
🇧🇷Brazil
🇮🇷Iran
🇯🇵Japan
🇲🇽Mexico
🇧🇪Belgium
🇰🇷Korea Republic
🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
🇩🇪Germany
🦁England
🇪🇸Spain

👀🏆

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 6, 2017

There has been a steady improvement for Mexico at the World Cup since finishing 15th in 2006. El Tri has climbed to 14th and 10th in the past two World Cups. The 10th-place position in 2014 was the country's best since reaching the quarterfinal in 1986. 

A sloppy match against Trinidad and Tobago should serve as a wake-up call for Mexico. It's still in position to reach its qualifying goals, but there's still a lot of things for Osorio to correct before the squad belongs among the world's elite again. 

 

 

Mexico welcome Trinidad and Tobago in the CONCACAF Hexagonal on Friday, safe in the knowledge they have already qualified for the 2018 World Cup.

El Tri want to wrap up top spot in the Hex over the final two matches, with Trinidad and Tobago rooted to the bottom of the standings.

Mexico are unbeaten in their eight games in Hexagonal qualification, and a point will be enough to capture first place if Costa Rica lose to Honduras.

Here is how you can watch the game at the Estadio Alfonso Lastras:

                

Date: Friday, Oct. 6

Time: 9:30 p.m. (ET)/2:30 a.m. Sunday (BST)

TV: Fox Sports 1 USA

Stream: Fox Soccer Match Pass, fubo.tv

               

Preview

After making qualification difficult four years ago, Mexico have skipped through the Hex as others have struggled to record victories.

El Tri have won five and drawn three in qualification for the finals, and they will feel well-equipped to brush aside the visitors.

The Soca Warriors arrive from the Caribbean badly out of form, taking just three points in their eight contests.

Trinidad and Tobago coach Dennis Lawrence has been unable to fashion a winning team, and they have remained well off the pace.

Mexico will have their big guns primed for the game, with Giovani dos Santos and Jonathan dos Santos ready for action.

LA Galaxy shared media of the brothers preparing for the match:

🇲🇽⚽️: @OficialGio & @jona2santos ready to lead Mexico in #WCQualifier against Trinidad and Tobago: https://t.co/eKS0ko1LDg pic.twitter.com/9Oj4VVCS2h

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 4, 2017

Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio has kept faith in his most experienced players, but he could give his fringe an outing if the visitors fold early.

Javier Hernandez's return to the Premier League has not rekindled his best form, but Trinidad and Tobago will allow him the space to attain plenty of shooting practice.

The Soca Warriors have already collected the wooden spoon in the Hex, and it's all they deserve after a wretched few months.

Mexico have the firepower to obliterate the travelling party, and Osorio will use the game to hone his tactics ahead of next summer's finals in Russia.

The two leaders in the CONCACAF qualifying group for the 2018 FIFA World Cup will go head-to-head on Tuesday, as Mexico and Costa Rica battle it out in their Hexagonal matchup.

El Tri have already qualified for next year's tournament and currently lead Costa Rica by three points. The hosts have a six-point gap over the United States and Honduras and can book their ticket to Russia on Tuesday.

Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming match.

        

Date: Tuesday, September 5

Time: 10 p.m. ET/3 a.m. BST (Wednesday)

Venue: Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, San Jose

Live Stream: BeIN Sports Connect

         

Preview

Marcos Urena's double on Friday gave Costa Rica a 2-0 win over the favoured United States side, setting the team up well for the final matches of the Hexagonal. Regardless of the result on Tuesday, the team seems destined to qualify for the World Cup as one of the three automatic qualifiers.

Per Soccer America's Paul Kennedy, Los Ticos did not steal the win against the Stars and Stripes:

If you want to know why Costa Rica made quarterfinals in 2014 and USA went out in round of 16, we've seen tonight.

— Paul Kennedy (@pkedit) September 2, 2017

Star goalkeeper Keylor Navas already appears to be in mid-season form, even though Real Madrid have only just started their domestic campaign, and with the 30-year-old backing the defence, Los Ticos will like their chances against most teams.

The hosts will face a stern challenge against El Tri, however. Mexico are still unbeaten in the Hex, and while their attack hasn't been in vintage form, their defensive record is superb, with just two goals conceded in seven matches.

Per Tom Marshall of ESPN FC, manager Juan Carlos Osorio has received some criticism ifollowing the Gold Cup and a handful of average results, but he remains the right man for the job:

Last tweet on this.

A deeper look into the Osorio era @miseleccionmx (written before last night's game) #eltrienghttps://t.co/V2dbqGmKYd

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) September 3, 2017

With a World Cup ticket already in the bag, Osorio may opt to give his younger players some more minutes, although he's not expected to shake things up completely.

One man to look out for is Hirving Lozano, who scored in his fourth consecutive match for club and country against Panama. The 22-year-old is expected to explode for PSV this season and will want to continue this great run for as long as he can.

Prediction: Costa Rica 1-1 Mexico

Mexico became the fifth country to qualify for the 2018 World Cup on Friday night with a 1-0 win over Panama at Estadio Azteca in CONCACAF play in Mexico City.

El Tri joined Russia (host nation), Brazil, Iran and Japan in esteemed company with the start of the international spectacular now less than a year away. 

5 of next summer's participants are now locked in:

Russia ✔
Brazil ✔
Iran ✔
Japan ✔
Mexico ✔ https://t.co/QqYAn7OXjB

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 2, 2017

The victory also pushed Mexico three points clear of Costa Rica atop the hexagonal qualifying standings after Los Ticos shocked the United States with a 2-0 triumph earlier Friday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. 

Panama, which had a chance to make a big move in the table, will continue to occupy fifth place with seven points following the narrow loss. 

The United States (eight points, plus-one goal differential) and Honduras (eight points, minus-seven goal differential) sit just ahead of Panama in third and fourth place, respectively. 

Given the stakes for both sides, the first half wasn't a particularly action-packed affair. 

But true to form, Mexico pushed the pace more than a Panama squad that was content to sit back and pick its spots on the counterattack. 

As a result, Mexico was able to generate the best chance of the opening 45 minutes when Javier Hernandez pushed an open opportunity just wide of the far post. 

ESPN FC's Cesar Hernandez provided a succinct summation of an otherwise lackluster first frame: 

HT Mexico 0-0 Panama.

El Tri w/ more possession but struggling to find chances on target. #ElTriEng

— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) September 2, 2017

However, it wasn't long before Mexico broke through. 

After Panama had two early second-half attempts—including a blistering free kick—saved in spectacular fashion by Guillermo Ochoa, El Tri countered when substitute Hirving Lozano headed home a picture-perfect feed from Jesus Corona in the 53rd minute to thrust his side in front. 

At that point, Hernandez noted the super-sub Lozano single-handedly changed the complexion of Mexico's attack: 

Lozano doing more in two minutes than most of Mexico during the first half. #ElTriEng

— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) September 2, 2017

El Tri had opportunities galore to tack on a second goal, with the most notable coming in the 74th minute when Javier Aquino skied a wide-open attempt inside the box over the bar to keep Panama alive. 

But with Ochoa in fine form and Mexico's back line holding strong, Los Canaleros didn't have any answers as the clock ticked up. 

El Tri will return to the pitch Sept. 5 against Costa Rica at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, while Panama is scheduled to clash with Trinidad and Tobago the same day at Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City. 

Mexico are on the brink of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, with the CONCACAF Hexagonal leaders hosting Panama at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Friday.

El Tri head the group by three points from Costa Rica but only need a top-three berth to book a place in Russia.

Panama sit fourth and are currently in a play-off position, but they could leapfrog the United States in third with a surprise win.

Here is how you can watch the vital contest:

                           

Date: Friday, Sept. 1

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET/ 2:30 a.m. (Saturday morning)

TV: Fox Sports 2

Stream: Fox Sports, fubo.tv

                            

Preview

Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio has skilfully steered his team to the top of the standings, and El Tri have one foot in the World Cup finals.

A strong total of 14 points from their campaign has given Osorio control of the side's destiny, and the leaders will almost certainly join the biggest party in world football on Russian soil.

Nine goals in six matches have kept Mexico ahead of the chasing pack, as the United States struggle to flex their muscle at the vital moment.

Panama have proved to be Mexico's equal in qualification, holding them to a goalless draw when they met in Round 5 last November.

The Panamanian defence has improved in recent times, affording them just one defeat in the Hexagonal.

Per Kevin Baxter of the L.A. Times, Javier Hernandez is included after returning to the Premier League with West Ham United, and Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer is likely to start for Osorio.

Chicharito has two goals in his first three games in the English league this term, according to WhoScored.com, and appears his deadly self once again after departing the Bundesliga.

Panama have one eye over their shoulder on Honduras, as the current fifth-placed team are two points behind and can still catch a play-off berth if they can leapfrog into fourth spot.

However, the Hondurans' goal difference is ruined (-8), offering an easier path to Panama, even if Mexico win on Friday.

                

Prediction

Shocks haven't been commonplace during the Hexagonal, and it's unlikely Panama have the firepower to hurt Mexico.

Osorio will not be in the dugout for the match as he serves the final match of a suspension, but the manager's absence should not affect their defensive outlook.

The hosts will want to create early and claim the points as soon as possible against a weaker opponent.

Both teams would be content with a point from the encounter, but Mexico will want to celebrate their expected qualification in style in front of their home supporters at the Azteca.

Predicted Result: Mexico win 2-0

Mexican football star Rafael Marquez is among a group of 22 people sanctioned for ties to a drug trafficking ring.

According to Christopher Sherman of the Associated Press, the veteran defender is joined on the list by Raul Flores Hernandez, said to be the head of the organisation, per the United States Treasury. The department also shared the news on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/USTreasury/status/895333012446920704

Marquez is one of the most celebrated Mexican football players of all time, having won the UEFA Champions League twice with Barcelona. He currently plays for Atlas, the club where he started his professional career.

According to the report, a football team and casino were among a group of 43 entities also cited, but it's not clear whether Atlas is the club in question.

Attempts to contact the 38-year-old's agent, Enrique Nieto, were unsuccessful, per Sherman. Julio Cesar Alvarez, a famous Mexican singer, has also been cited due to his "longstanding relationship with Flores Hernandez."

Jamaica take on holders Mexico on Sunday for a place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.

The game will be staged at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and the winner will advance to play either the United States or Costa Rica.

Mexico are rarely beaten in Gold Cup competition and have proved they have Jamaica's number in previous meetings.

               

Date: Sunday, July 23

Time: 9 p.m. ET/ 2 a.m BST (Monday)

TV: Fox Sports 1 

Stream: Fox Sports Go and fubo.tv

          

Preview

The Gold Cup is down to the last four, and as expected, Mexico are on the edge of yet another success in the tournament.

El Tri have dominated the CONCACAF gathering since its inception in 1991, winning seven of the 13 tournaments and three of the past four editions. However, Jamaica have proved to be worthy adversaries at this year's competition.

The Reggae Boyz dumped Canada out of the competition in the quarter-finals, winning 2-1, and they held Mexico to a goalless draw in the group phase.

Jamaica have shown their resilience in defence and midfield, and El Tri have struggled in front of goal without their primary strikers in the squad.

Per Tom Marshall of ESPN FC, Mexico assistant manager Pompilio Paez believes his side will not have trouble finding the back of the net in the semi-finals.

"We already know Jamaica and know our players a lot better," Paez said. "We respect the opponent, but we think we have the sufficient arms to defeat Jamaica and be in the final."

Jamaica have not been in top form in attack, either, but with the talent of Romario Williams in their ranks, they have ammunition. The former University of Central Florida forward has impressed, presenting Mexico with food for thought.

                            

Prediction

Jamaica have produced shocks in the past, but they couldn't defeat Mexico in the final in 2015 and are unlikely to sneak past them at the Rose Bowl. 

Mexico are masters at the Gold Cup, and Jamaica will have to show defensive steel in order to survive.

The Reggae Boyz's best hope is that Mexico's weakened squad buckles and that the lack of stars derails their ambitions.

Rodolfo Pizarro will provide a threat in Mexico's attack after his winning goal against Honduras in the last eight, but the reigning champions were not at their best in that 1-0 win and must move through the gears against better opposition.

                              

Score Prediction: Mexico to win 2-1

Mexico moved one step closer to defending its CONCACAF Gold Cup title Thursday night with a 1-0 triumph over Honduras at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. 

The win, which was anchored by an early goal from Rodolfo Pizarro, propelled El Tri into a semifinal showdown with Jamaica, who bested Canada 2-1 in the evening's first quarterfinal.  

Physicality reigned supreme as the two sides racked up a combined 25 fouls and six yellow cards, but Mexico maintained composure despite some aggressive challenges and pressed forward to impose its will throughout the first half. 

That much was clear in the fourth minute when Jose Duenas' mishit sputtered across the box and landed at Pizarro's feet for an easy tap-in goal to give Mexico an instant 1-0 edge. Here's the highlight, via Fox Soccer: 

Dream start for #ElTri! Pizarro makes the far post run to give #MEX the lead 4 minutes in. @ModeloUSA #ModeloSoccer https://t.co/W6A6Q87P90

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 21, 2017

According to ESPN Stats & Info, the tally was Mexico's fastest in a Gold Cup game since 1993. 

Honduras wasn't anywhere near as effective in the attacking third and failed to record a shot on goal until the 50th minute on a set piece. 

Los Catrachos tried to pick up the pressure as time started to tick away, but Mexico's stout defense and pinpoint passing allowed El Tri to dictate pace and stave off danger. 

But as ESPN.com's Eric Gomez noted, Mexico was fortunate Honduras' offense remained anemic, since a second goal proved elusive: 

Mexico is lucky Honduras can't hit water off the side of a boat. #ElTrieng

— Eric Gomez (@EricGomez86) July 21, 2017

In any event, Mexico will be happy with the result since it was able to survive and advance.

Now, it's onto Sunday's semifinal against Jamaica, which will represent a rematch of the 2015 Gold Cup Final. 

The winner of that battle will meet either the United States or Costa Rica in the title tilt on Wednesday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. 

The two top teams in Group C of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup will meet on Thursday, when Mexico take on Jamaica at the Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colorado.

Both teams have made winning starts to the tournament, with El Tri beating El Salvador 3-1 on Monday, while Jamaica earned a 2-0 win against Curacao.

This is a chance for holders Mexico to take control of the group and prove their credentials as potential winners of the tournament.

Before a preview, here are the schedule and viewing details:

Date: Thursday, July 13

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET. 3:30 a.m. BST (Friday).

TV Info: Fox Sports 1.

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go.

              

Mexico boasts the quality in attack to punish Jamaica. Specifically, winger Elias Hernandez proved a star turn against El Salvador.

Hernandez "scored one goal and assisted on the other two, including a pinpoint set-piece delivery to the head of Hedgardo Marin to open the scoring," per Charles Boehm of MLSSoccer.com. Playing the Club Leon man with intelligent forward Martin Barragan and Chivas' attacking midfielder Orbelin Pineda gives Mexico ample fluidity in the final third.

Winning in the opener came while manager Juan Carlos Osorio missed out through suspension. In his place, assistant Luis Pompilio Paez oversaw things.

Paez was left impressed, but he called for El Tri to maintain concentration, particularly when defending a lead, per the tournament's official website: "They have to be able to keep the same mentality after we score, so that the opponent doesn’t take advantage of a lapse and begin to attack and score."

Jamaica's best chance of earning an upset win will likely reside with forward Darren Mattocks. The 26-year-old scored against Curacao and saves his best for tournament play, per Boehm.

The bigger question for the Reggae Boyz will be whether they can keep things tight enough at the back to resist the pace, perceptive movement and artful passing Mexico are sure to unleash on them.

It's easy to believe Mexico will dispatch Jamaica with room to spare. El Tri usually save their best for the Gold Cup, and this match is the perfect time for the holders to showcase their quality.