By RYAN TOLMICH
Although it may have only been a friendly, Mexico can finally say they’ve gotten past the always-scrappy Honduras.
Mexico topped Honduras 2-0, Saturday for their first victory over their CONCACAF rivals in five years and their second victory in three games following this past summer’s World Cup.
The scoring was opened in the 21st minute by Mexico striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, who finished from a tough angle following a pass from Oribe Peralta. El Tri doubled their lead 16 minutes later when Oswaldo Alanis headed in a Marco Fabian corner kick en route to earning Mexico the 2-0 victory.
Next up for Mexico is a matchup with Panama Sunday in Queretaro, while Honduras take on the U.S. Men’s National Team Tuesday in Boca Raton, Florida.
Here are some more news and notes to kickoff your Friday morning:
SPAIN’S DEL BOSQUE BACKS COSTA, CASILLAS DESPITE STRUGGLES
Despite becoming one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers on the club level, Diego Costa is yet to his his stride when it comes to the international game.
The Spain striker was held scoreless yet again Thursday, as Spain were upset by Slovakia, 2-1, in Euro 2016 qualifying. However, despite Costa’s struggles, manager Vicente Del Bosque has stated that he was pleased with Costa’s overall performance.
“Costa is very enthusiastic and putting in effort,” Del Bosque said of Costa, who remains scoreless in six games with Spain. “As well as his performance we are happy with his commitment.”
Del Bosque also defended goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who has been under fire for months due to a noticeable drop in form.
“Casillas had saved good chances from Slovakia previously,” Del Bosque said. “I didn’t see it clearly but the ball moved strangely and tricked Iker.
“This is football. We cannot fault players. We showed patience to move the ball but lacked accuracy and their goalkeeper played well. Nobody likes to lose but nobody can say we lacked effort or attitude. We lost due to circumstances of football.”
DALGLISH TO PRESENT SUAREZ WITH EUROPEAN GOLDEN SHOE
Luis Suarez made his move away from Liverpool over the summer, but the controversial striker has made sure not to forget his time with the Reds.
The Uruguayan has requested that Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish be the one to present him with the European Golden Shoe, which he will share with Cristiano Ronaldo, after scoring 31 goals with Liverpool last season.
Suarez is said to have wanted to make Liverpool as much a part of the ceremony as possible, as the 27-year-old striker was originally hoping to have the ceremony at Anfield in the presence of Steven Gerrard. However, with that an impossibility, Suarez did get his wish of having Dalglish in attendance, as the former Scotland star will fly to Barcelona to present Suarez with his award Wednesday.
QUICK KICKS
Manchester City striker Stefan Jovetic, who missed most of last season with a hamstring injury, limped off of Montenegro’s 0-0 draw with Lichtenstein. (REPORT)
Galatasaray midfielder Wesley Snjeider has stated that he is currenrly owed up to $1.25 million by the club. (REPORT)
Arsenal’s Lukas Podolski has expressed his frustration with his lack of first team opportunities with the Gunners. (REPORT)
Hamburg are preparing to complete a permanent deal for on-loan Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby. (REPORT)
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What did you think of Mexico’s victory? How should Spain handle the struggles of Costa and Casillas? How can Suarez replicate his success with new club Barcelona?
Share your thoughts below.
Del Bosque and Casillas need to go. Costa will eventually break through.
I agree about Del Bosque, but not Costa. The whole vision, and style need to change as different players are brought in. Xavi, Villa, and Iniesta were a big part of the success of their style, and they are not in peak form anymore, or are not even in the squad.
“Mexico topped Honduras 2-0, Saturday for their first victory over their CONCACAF rivals in five years”
I’m pretty sure Mexico beat Honduras in the 2011 Gold Cup
lol, just looked up the highlights. They were tied 0-0 in regular time and Mexico won 2-0 after extra time. Chicharito scored one of his signiture goals where he chested the ball down at a weird angle, it bounced off the keepers feet and into the side netting, somehow the ball went in. Reminded me of his first goal for United, the one off his face.
*signature* The grammar police are insane on this site lately.
Too bad that Luis Suarez cannot be presented the award at Anfield.
What a great player. I wonder how he will perform with Messi, and Neymar, who both are comfortable on the ball as he is.
He will stumble and his teeth will insert themselves in Pepe’s or Ramos’ skin when Barca plays Real.
Ives, these video advertisements that won’t stop playing are killing this site!!!
I’ve got a solution: DON’T VISIT THE SITE.
Consider installing @dblock for your browser.
Pains me to say it as someone who uses the sporting term of “hating Mexico”, but I’m happy to see Hernandez scoring again for both club and country.
Best striker by a mile in our region when he’s in form.
The Mexico v. Honduras game was awful. Like watching a typical MLS game.