Mexico will look to strengthen its position in the World Cup qualifiers when it takes on Honduras on Friday in a crucial match.
The top three teams qualify for the World Cup automatically while the fourth place team has a date with the Oceania club New Zealand for a spot in the World Cup.
Mexico and Honduras currently sit in third and fourth respectively. Mexico has eight points, while Honduras is just one behind with seven. More importantly, fifth place Panama has six points and takes on last place Jamaica on Friday. A win by Panama coupled with a draw in this match would automatically push Panama into a tie with Mexico for third place.
El Tri is in desperate need of a win here. The team has only accumulated one win in qualifying matches and has five draws; the lone victory came in Jamaica. Mexico has yet to win a single qualifier at home in the Azteca and this alone should give Honduras confidence in Friday's match.
Another factor that should give Honduras confidence: El Tri held a 2-0 lead in Honduras until the 77 minute mark when Los Catrachos launched a quick comeback and earned a 2-2 draw.
Mexican coach Jose de la Torre also has a tremendous amount of pressure to produce. His team was eliminated in the Gold Cup despite being seen as favorites and numerous fans called for his head. The Mexican Federation executives showed trust in him by retaining him and now he must prove that the faith was well-placed.
Prediction: The two sides battle to a 0-0 draw.
Start Time: 9:30 p.m. EST
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