We’ll have to wait for Saturday…

Honduras was unable to come out with the three points against UAE and is now obliged to win against South Africa for their last group match.

The game did not begin as we planned, with UAE having territorial domination and Honduras being attacked from everywhere. Luckily they were unable to score that early. After 30 minutes of play
we had our first goal scoring opportunities but we were unable to go up on the scoreboard. After some exchanging scoring opportunities from both side, it was UAE the ones to go up first.

On the 41st minute of the first half, Ahmed Khalil was the one responsible of converting one of UAE’s free kick. Unluckily Khalil’s well-struck free-kick went over the wall, bounced before the keeper and hit the back of the net. 1-0, UAE was up on the scoreboard. The first half ended with UAE territorially dominating and Honduras looking worried on their game play.

On the second half, Honduras advanced their attacking lines and created a couple more goal-scoring opportunities but they were neutralized by UAE’s defense. Both teams were reduced to ten men in the last stretch of the game when Mayorquin and Ali confronted themselves. After that, we were unable to make a change in the scoreboard.

Honduras must now pick up a point in our final match against South Africa on Saturday to make sure we get a hold of a spot in the last 16.

Here are Emilio Umanzor’s comments after the game, “Our first half performance was what lost us the match. We were more interested in the referee than in our own game, and by losing our concentration we got into trouble and went in a goal down at half time. I think we improved in the second half, but by then it was too late.”

Thinking about our next match, here is what Professor Umanzor had to say, “We need to get back to basics… As I said before our opening match, there’s everything to play for. We’ve got our backs to the wall and the winner of the match will go through to the last 16. I’m counting on my players to realise what is at stake.”

Here is a clip of UAE’s great goal scored against us.