Honduras look to counter Mexico

Western Bureau:
After dominating Cuba 3-0 in their second game in Group B of the CONCACAF Men's Under-20 Championship in Montego Bay on Monday, Honduras will tackle champions Mexico at the Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay today as the group stage reaches the halfway mark.

Kick-off in that game is

at 5:30 p.m., following the game between fourth-place El Salvador (two points) and third-place Canada (three) at 3 p.m. Then at 8 p.m., Cuba will hope to reverse their losing streak in a game against Haiti (one point).

The Hondurans are second behind the Mexicans with four points from two matches and will be buoyed by their recent performances, especially after showing a great deal of composure to stave off Cuba's strong start in that game.

adapt to strategy

"I liked what we did in that Cuba game because we changed our approach in the second half and got three goals," said Honduras' coach Jorge Jimenez.

"This is our hope also against the strong Mexican team, that we will adapt to their strategy and counter them. We have good players, and we hope to play good football to win," added Jimenez.

The Mexicans are easily the best team in the group and they too can change tactics, as witnessed against Canada.

In Hirving Lozano, Mexico have a genuine attacking midfielder who can also put the ball in the back of the net. Forward Guillermo Martinez is a constant danger in front of goal also, which makes them favourites for a third successive win. Guillermo scored a hat-trick in their opening game against Cuba.

Jonel Desire scored an 89th-minute penalty to save Haiti a second straight loss on Monday night, as the Caribbean nation earned a 1-1 draw with El Salvador. Jose Villaviencio's 27th minute strike had given El Salvador the lead. Both countries have an outside chance of qualifying to the semi-finals if they can manage to win the remaining games.

El Salvador vs Canada at 3 p.m.

Mexico vs Honduras at 5:30 p.m.

Haiti vs Cuba at 8 p.m.