Honduras Surprises Everyone, Including Costa Rica, 2-0
Honduras’ national soccer team came into the CONCACAF Gold Cup as a lightly regarded also-ran. After all, the team lost to Costa Rica in qualifying for this tournament and, compared to the soccer powerhouses in the region, Honduras simply didn’t figure.
What an error it has been to underestimate Honduras. By virtue of its stunning 2-0 victory over Costa Rica Friday night at the Coliseum, Honduras earned the right to play for the championship Sunday.
Honduras has not lost a game in the tournament and has allowed only three goals.
Costa Rica was the first team from the CONCACAF region to qualify for the 1990 World Cup and, led by now-U.S. Coach Bora Milutinovic, compiled a 2-2 record and advanced to the second round of the Cup.
But, even as Costa Rica’s national team has begun an apparent slide, Honduras’ squad is fast-improving. That skill was on display Friday, as the Costa Ricans’ mistakes were twice converted to Honduran goals.
“We have played Costa Rica many times and we know them well,” said Honduran captain Gilberto Yearwood. “We invited them to come to our half and they leave open spaces in the back.”
There was plenty of open space in front of the Costa Rican net when the game’s first goal was scored. Juan Carlos Espinosa took a shot that hit the goalpost and bounced to the front of the goal. Espinosa picked it up again and sent it to Eduardo Benett, whose header in the 37th minute gave Honduras a 1-0 lead.
The Hondurans nearly scored minutes later as Yearwood raced into one of those open spaces and lofted a pass to the front of the box. Benett headed the ball to Dolmo Flores as Costa Rican goalkeeper Luis Conejo came out to challenge but slipped. Flores’ shot to the empty net was cleared off the line by a Costa Rican defender who hurried back to cover.
Honduras scored in the second half, and again it was by Yearwood’s design. He gained control of a loose ball at midfield and fought off two defenders before passing to Flores on the left wing. Flores scored in the 79th minute.
“The difference was that we were organized and patient,” Yearwood said. “We never lost our heads. Consequently, we came up with the win.”
