Reigning champion Mexico holds off Honduras
Mexico advanced to yet another CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-final after edging Honduras 1-0 on Friday (AEST).
An early goal from Rodolfo Pizarro was all Mexico needed in the quarter-final at the University of Phoenix Stadium, setting up a last-four clash with Jamaica.
Pizarro tapped in at the back post in the fourth minute as the defending champion reached the Gold Cup semis for the sixth consecutive time.
It was once more far from convincing for Mexico, which has coach Juan Carlos Osorio serving a ban and several stars absent after the Confederations Cup.
But the early goal was enough, with Honduras – which reached the last eight as the best third-placed team despite failing to score in the group stage – rarely threatening.
Once again, Mexico was much-changed, with seven players making way from the starting XI that overcame Curacao last time out. Elias Hernandez, Hugo Ayala and Pizarro were among those named to start.
Jorge Luis Pinto made just two changes to the Honduras side that drew with Canada, as Ever Alvarado and Bryan Acosta came in for Jorge Claros and Carlos Discua.
