Emilio Izaguirre’s World Cup hop
es suffered a blow last night as Honduras lost 1-0 away to the USA.
A 73rd minute goal from Jozy Altidore settled the issue putting the USA, managed by Jurgen Klinsmann, into pole position to claim one of three automatic spots in Brazil next summer.
Despite beating the USA at home in February last night’s result was hardly a surprise with Honduras losing all three away games without scoring a goal.
Izaguirre was joined in the Honduras side by Jorge Claros who spent last season on loan at Hibs but the visitors hopes of snatching a point were undone by Altidore’s goal which takes the USA to the brink of a seventh successive World Cup finals place.
“They’re a good team,” Klinsmann admitted about his side’s opponents. “You got to grind ’em, break ’em down. We told them at halftime we have to raise the tempo, and one of those chances finally found the net.”
With three automatic places available Honduras still have plenty to play for but must take at least a point from their next match, away to Mexico on September 6, to have a realistic chance of qualifying.
Mexico, who are currently playing in the Confederations Cup, are one point ahead of Honduras with each country having four games left to play, Honduras finish their campaign away to Jamaica on October 15.
While Izaguirre’s World Cup place is in doubt Tom Rogic is the first Celt to book his place in Brazil following Australia’s 1-0 home win over Iraq.
Rogic replaced the experienced Brett Holman after 61 minutes with fellow sub Josh Kennedy striking the vital goal in the 83rd minute to book the Socceroos a place in the World Cup Finals for the third time running.
