The defending champion Mexican National Team advanced to it’s sixth straight Gold Cup semi-final after a 1-0 win over Honduras on Thursday.
El Tri found itself without many top players, who recently played in the Confederations Cup in Russia. And due to Liga MX starting Friday Night, Juan Carlos Osorio found himself with the same roster.
The game’s loan goal came just four minutes in from Rodolfo Pizarro who took advantage of an inviting low cross from Elias Hernandez to tap-in at the far post for El Tri.
GOL México, @Rpizarrot No. 15 | @miseleccionmx@FenafuthOrg#CopaOro2017pic.twitter.com/ixXkm8KIgF
— CONCACAF (@CONCACAF) July 21, 2017
Honduras, who reached the last eight as the best third-placed team despite not scoring on the group stage, did not find the back of the net but had several solid opportunities to score in the second half.
Something Honduras Captain Maynor Figueroa had talked about was "finding and finalizing those opportunities". Honduras created various goal-scoring opportunities, but wasn't able to execute.
The first came on a free kick by Romell Quioto in which Jesus “Chuy” Corona had to make a lunging stop. Moments later Carlos Lanza worked the ball in for a short-range shot that was blocked by Corona on the 54th minute. “Chuy” was also needed to punch a corner off his line with just 12 minutes left on the clock as Honduras pushed for an equalizer. Despite the opportunities, Honduras was unsuccessful.
Alfredo Mejia had the last chance in the 92nd minute when he fired a shot from in front of the net that was too wide and went just right of the goal, leaving the final score 1-0. Regardless of the one loan goal that was all Mexico needed in the quarter-final, setting up a match against Jamaica in the Rose Bowl on Sunday.
Mexico and Jamaica have faced off this year's Gold Cup Group stage with a 0-0 draw. Jamaica also beat Canada 2-1 in the first game of Thursday night’s doubleheader. And let's not forget the last Gold Cup Championship, a 3-1 Mexico victory in 2015.
