If the United States couldn't mount a late comeback to draw Costa Rica, their World Cup dreams were about dead.
Fortunately for them, Jonathan Bornstein (four years later, it still doesn't seem real) came to their rescue with a stoppage time equalizer. The U.S. had done it. They had drawn the Ticos and nobody was happier than the Catrachos.
People poured into the streets all around the country to celebrate. For the first time time in 28 years, Honduras was heading to the World Cup.
Their next World Cup may not requires as long of a wait. It could come just four years later with a trip to Brazil, and this time it should not be as stressful. It should not require help. Honduras should be able to book their ticket themselves. That is the perk of being three points clear of Panama and Mexico for the third and final automatic qualifying spot in CONCACAF.
This time they don't need Bornstein. They don't need luck. They don't need to wish and pray. They need four points from their final two matches, or even just three three points against the Ticos in front of a home crowd that will be dying to celebrate a spot in Brazil if Mexico and Panama draw on Friday. Making matters better is that Costa Rica have already qualified for the World Cup, leaving them with little to play for.
Honduras has already bested Costa Rica before, taking three points from the Ticos away in June and now they get them on their turf with a full strength side. Costa Rica has also called in many of their best, but with nothing on the line and a hostile crowd backing the Catrachos, they don't figure to put up much of a fight.
Costa Rica pretty much has a World Cup berth locked up, and Honduras currently sits in one of the coveted top three spots. Both teams will be looking for points out of this match to make sure their ticket to Brazil is secured.
Honduras is coming off an emotional win over Mexico at the Azteca. Fortunately for Honduras, there isn’t too much pressure to win this game against a tough opponent. Their final world cup qualifying game is against Jamaica, who currently sits at the bottom of the CONCACAF qualifying table.
Costa Rica’s second game of the weekend international break is against Mexico. Not necessarily a lesser opponent, but they’re in the bottom half of the qualifying table. Mexico will be particularly motivated to win and try to move up in the table so that will be a tough game.
Date: October 11
Start Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Location: San Pedro Sula, Honduras
