Honduras to seal quarter final Gold Cup spot
Honduras showed relative CONCACAF minnows Grenada little mercy in the opening fixture of Group D at this summer's Gold Cup, but will cognisant of facing much stiffer resistance in their clash with Panama at the BBVA Stadium in Houston. Both sides will have had the psychological benefit of watching the Spice Boys' game with competition guests and next year's FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar immediately before their own, so they will know precisely what they need to do to increase their chances of grabbing one of the top two spots. Read our preview here:
4,000 defensive holes
Spanish head coach Thomas Christiansen masterminded his side's valiant efforts in the opening game, roaring back three times from falling behind to Qatar to secure a draw. Striker Rolando Blackburn, who plies his trade for Bolivian outfit The Strongest, grabbed a brace on Tuesday, ending a long run without an international goal to his name. He'll not shy away from the challenge Honduras represent, and will also be mindful that his presence up top will be a significant method of avoiding too much pressure coming on his own defence.
Jerry can
Another wily veteran broke his own particular duck in midweek. Jerry Bengston had to wait half a decade to notch another goal in blue and white, and it precipitated a rout of Grenada in the process. Here, he can expect to encounter much more difficulty, so head coach Fabián Coito will want to see a similar level of clinical finishing in an encounter where presentable chances are much more likely to be fewer and further between. Marathón inside forward Edwin Solano will push up in support of the attacking trio, dragging the Panamanian full-back inwards with him to create space down the sides.
Bicolor bisection
Qualification will almost certainly mean facing off against El Salvador or favourites Mexico from Group A, and a quarter-final spot for either nation would represent an excellent tournament. Honduras might feel they still have a bit more to offer however, and 888sport agree, with 2.15 for a victory to seal their berth in the business end of the competition.
