Mexico Edges Honduras 3-0 in Drama-Filled World Cup Qualifier

Mexico vs Honduras: A Thrilling World Cup Qualifier

The 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Mexico and Honduras on October 10, 2021 was an intense and dramatic match that ended with Mexico winning 3-0. This critical match took place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in front of over 50,000 roaring fans. With 9 minutes of stoppage time added, Honduras fought until the final whistle but could not equalize against a dominant Mexican team.

Mexico Takes Early Lead

Mexico came into the match needing a win to stay in contention for a World Cup spot. They started strong and took the lead early when Rogelio Funes Mori scored in the 16th minute off an assist from Hirving Lozano. The crowd erupted as Mexico seemed poised to control the match.

Honduras Attempts Comeback

Honduras refused to go down easy. They nearly equalized just before halftime but Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa came up with a clutch save. Honduras came out rejuvenated after the break, playing more physical and creating several dangerous chances. However, the Mexican defense held strong.

Late Goals Seal Mexican Victory

As the intense match wore on, Honduras began to tire while Mexico's superior conditioning showed. Orbelin Pineda doubled Mexico's lead in the 69th minute after a brilliant pass from Hector Herrera. Any hopes of a Honduran comeback were dashed when Alfredo Mejia scored an own goal in the 77th minute to make it 3-0.

9 Minutes of Added Time

In a rare move, the referee added an astonishing 9 minutes of stoppage time. This gave Honduras a slim chance to mount a miracle comeback. They pressured relentlessly and had a couple opportunities. But Mexico's defense tightened and saw out the victory.

Key Performers

Several Mexican players had standout matches. Lozano was a constant threat down the wing. Pineda and Herrera controlled the midfield. Ochoa came up with big saves when needed. And young star Rodrygo, on loan from Real Madrid, put in an impressive shift after coming on as a second half substitute.

For Honduras, several players put in valiant efforts despite the loss. Goalkeeper Luis Lopez kept them in the match in the first half. Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto created chances from the wings. And defensive midfielder Alfredo Mejia tried in vain to contain the potent Mexican attack.

World Cup Hopes Still Alive

This crucial win kept Mexico's hopes of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup alive. They moved into third place in the CONCACAF qualifying table. With two matches remaining against El Salvador and Costa Rica, Mexico controls their own destiny. Two wins would clinch a spot in Qatar.

The loss dealt a blow to Honduras' chances of reaching their fourth ever World Cup. Sitting in last place in the table, they would need to win both remaining matches and get major help to have any chance of claiming the final qualifying spot.

Intense Rivalry

Matches between Mexico and Honduras always bring extra intensity and drama due to the storied rivalry between the two CONCACAF powers. Mexico has historically dominated the region while Honduras seeks to unseat them. This qualifier certainly added a new chapter to the rivalry's history books.

Looking Ahead

Mexico must regroup quickly and prepare for their next qualifier on Wednesday against El Salvador, another physical team. Head coach Tata Martino may opt to rotate the squad to keep players fresh. Honduras faces a must-win match the same day against Jamaica.

The final two qualifying matches will take place in March 2022. Mexico, the USA, Canada and Panama are best positioned to claim the three automatic World Cup spots for CONCACAF. The fourth place team will enter an intercontinental playoff with the hopes of reaching Qatar 2022.

After this hard-fought win over Honduras, Mexico's World Cup dream remains very much alive. Their talented squad will be highly motivated to qualify and make a deep run in Qatar. But they must stay focused and finish the job first by securing their spot over the next week.

FAQs

Who scored Mexico's goals in the match?

Rogelio Funes Mori scored in the 16th minute, Orbelin Pineda in the 69th minute, and Honduras had an own goal from Alfredo Mejia in the 77th minute.

Why did the referee add 9 minutes of stoppage time?

There were several stoppages in play due to injuries and substitutes being made. The referee determined 9 extra minutes were needed to account for all the time lost.

How did Honduras respond after going down 2-0?

Despite the 2-0 deficit, Honduras kept fighting and trying to get back in the match. They had several chances to score but could not convert.

What was at stake in this match?

It was a crucial World Cup qualifier that Mexico needed to win to stay in contention for a spot in Qatar. Honduras was trying to keep their slim hopes alive.

What are Mexico's chances now of qualifying?

The win put Mexico in good position to qualify if they can get results in their final two matches against El Salvador and Costa Rica.