The Mexican team faces Honduras tonight at the Nemesio Diez Stadium in Toluca, in the second leg of the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Nations League 2024. After losing 2-0 in the first leg, the team led by Javier Aguirre He is forced to come back to keep his aspirations in the tournament alive. The first leg was marked by insults and culminated in an attack against the Mexican coach, in an episode that adds another controversy to the history of rivalries between both teams.
The tension between Mexico and Honduras
The soccer rivalry between Mexico and Honduras has been marked by intense matches, surprising results and violence. In 1993, the Mexican players had to wait for the National Stadium in Tegucigalpa to empty before they could leave due to the attacks that arose from the score of 4-1 in favor of Mexico in a match that from the beginning was publicized as a war. In 2021, the Mexican team was fined and punished for the homophobic shouts of Mexican fans during a match against Honduras. In 2023, during the Gold Cup, fans also came to blows at the NRG Stadium in Houston, United States.
Now the tension grows. In the first leg, Honduras surprised by winning 2-0, taking advantage of defensive errors and the lack of forcefulness of the Mexican attack. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was criticized after making a mistake that led to the first Honduran goal.
At the end of the match at the Francisco Morazán Stadium, a fan threw a can from the stands that hit technical director Javier Aguirre’s head, causing a head injury that caused him to bleed.
Concacaf sanctioned the Honduras Football Federation this Monday with a veto of a match without an audience in the next home game. Similarly, the Honduran federation condemned the attack against Aguirre but rejected the words, obscene gestures and provocative attitudes of the Mexican national team coach, “who insulted and provoked the Honduran fans from the beginning of the match.”
The challenge for Mexico
The Mexican team needs to win by at least two goals to even the series and force overtime or penalties. However, if Honduras scores one goal, Mexico will be forced to score four due to the away goal rule.
The height of the Nemesio Diez Stadium could be a favorable factor for Mexico. At 2,600 meters above sea level, physical condition will be put to the test, especially for Honduran players not accustomed to this altitude.
When and at what time do Mexico and Honduras play in the Concacaf Nations League? Schedules for the return game
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 19 at 8:30 p.m. The Nemesio Diez Stadium, located 2,600 meters above sea level, will be the stage where the Mexican team will seek to take advantage of the altitude to reverse the score against them.
Where to watch the Mexico – Honduras match live
The match will be broadcast on open television through Canal 5 and Azteca 7. On pay television, it will be available on TUDN. Furthermore, platforms streaming such as Vix and the Azteca Deportes application will also have the match live.
- Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
- Time: 8:30 p.m. (central Mexico time)
- Venue: Nemesio Diez Stadium, Toluca
- Broadcast: Channel 5, Azteca 7, TUDN, Vix and Azteca Deportes
The expectation is high and the pressure falls on each player and member of the coaching staff. The performance in this match could mark a turning point in Mexico’s preparation process, which is getting closer and closer to the opening match of the World Cup in 2026.
