Both Costa Rica and Honduras men’s national soccer teams had a tough week as they both lost their games against Mexico and U.S.A. respectively.

“La Sele” entered this stage of the CONCACAF elimination matches as the leader of its group and lost its position to the hands of Mexico 2-0. While Honduras (La H) was humiliated 6-0 by the USMNT and is sitting in the last position in the group.

The two teams are facing off this Tuesday, March 28th at 3 p.m. and they are both in need of a strong win.

La H, is led by Jorge Luis Pinto, who was the head coach of La Sele for the Brazil World Cup, which adds pressure to current head coach Oscar Ramírez.

Many will argue Costa Rica has a better team, man by man than Honduras, there is also the fact that Costa Rica beat the USMNT 4-0; so in theory La Sele should be able to dominate this next match against Honduras; however, if the defensive problems Costa Rica showed in their match against Mexico continue the story could be very different.

Honduras has two choices, the team will either show up deflated after such a bad loss or just the opposite, and take this match against Costa Rica as the perfect opportunity to get back in track, after all, they will be playing at home, the match takes place at the Francisco Morazan Stadium in Honduras.

Costa Rica’s defensive game felt the absence of Oscar Duarte (injured), and now lost another defender Johnny Acosta who was injured during the game against Mexico. La Sele doesn’t have a lot of time for experiments, and Oscar Ramírez and his team need to make up their minds about the game strategy and the lineup they will use to face La H.

Meanwhile, Pinto, has decided to train at closed doors to prepare for this match, they have also lost some of their key players; attacker Michael Chirinos, Félix Crisanto and Allans Vargas.
Pinto is known for his defensive style of play which might benefit Costa Rica’s current situation. Ramirez will have to rely a lot on midfielder David Guzman and find the best way to use his talents, forward Jose Guillermo Ortiz is one of the players he could be using to challenge Honduras’ defense and Kendall Waston will be necessary in the defense. Team work is needed from La Sele, as it was one of the main issues against Mexico. Fans will have to wait and see what Ramirez’ comes up with.

Also on Tuesday, as part of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifiers the USMNT will be on the road to face Panama and Mexico will travel to face Trinidad & Tobago.