12/6/2007 - 22:14(EST)

Mexico and Honduras in need of a win

When they announced the Group C teams of the Gold Cup it the outcome seemed clear. Mexico had a ticket for the next round, Honduras and Panama would fight for the other spot, and few gave Cuba a chance.

12/JUN/07 - The day before the last Group C matchday everything is up in the air.

Mexico has a hard time beating Cuba, and lost to Honduras, and now must beat Panama in order to make it to the next round. Honduras and Cuba will play each other and they both have a chance to make it to the next round.

Panama leads the group with 4 points, Honduras and Mexico both have 3 points, and Cuba has one.

Not everything is lost for Mexico; they can right the ship with a win over Panama. The win would give the Tri six points, and only a Honduras win over Cuba would move them from first place.

“We are motivated and concentrated, because despite of our results we still have the ticket to the next round in our hands”, stated Mexico coach Sanchez.

Mexicans and Panamanians will know what they in order to move onto the next round when their game begins, seeing as Honduras and Cuba play first.

The Hondurans are favorites on paper. They not only have better players, they also are flying high after their 2 – 1 win over Mexico.

Cuba has managed to exceed all expectations and not be out played by teams better on paper.

“The tournament is very hard, no one will give you anything, and every game has to be played. Cuba has already shown everyone that they are a hard rival, but we expect to make it to the next round”, stated Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda.

If the Catrachos earn a win then Mexico will be forced to beat Panama in order to be one of the top two in the group.

A tie would leave them hoping to make it as one of the two best third place teams, and that would mean they would have to play the top Group B team.

If Cuba wins, a tie would Mexico the second spot in the group.

Terra/CONCACAF