Agencies
HOUSTON (Texas)
Meeting for the fifth time at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Panama and Honduras added another chapter in their storied rivalry in front of a sellout crowd in Houston.
After three lead changes, it was Honduras who took the three points with a 3-2 comeback win.
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen expressed disappointment for his side coming short of the result, but acknowledged the environment -- the first sellout of the tournament -- as a celebration of the sport.
"The nice thing for any footballer, coaches, fans, is having a full stadium like we had today,” said Christiansen postgame.
"I think the five goals are very nice for the spectator, but when you see that we conceded three, you have to analyze it. You don’t get any points in a key game, which this was against Honduras.We are going with our heads down, but there is one more game left. We are going to go out to win and do well and wait for what happens.”
Panama remain hopeful of advancing and will need a win against Grenada, partnered with a Honduras win over Qatar, to get to the next round. Honduras, meanwhile, are through to the next round and are in pole position to advance as the group winner.
"We appealed to have peace of mind, to not despair,” said Honduras coach Fabian Coito on his advice at halftime when his team was trailing 2-1.
"The two goals came due to individual ability, as a result of being close to having goal chances near the goal. There were two chances and we were able to make a final mark and turned the score around.” With two goals in the second half, Honduras completed a comeback win and overcame the injury of one of their most important attacking options in Alberth Elis. Now, brimming with confidence, they prepare for a battle with Qatar for the top of Group D.
HOUSTON (Texas)
Meeting for the fifth time at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Panama and Honduras added another chapter in their storied rivalry in front of a sellout crowd in Houston.
After three lead changes, it was Honduras who took the three points with a 3-2 comeback win.
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen expressed disappointment for his side coming short of the result, but acknowledged the environment -- the first sellout of the tournament -- as a celebration of the sport.
"The nice thing for any footballer, coaches, fans, is having a full stadium like we had today,” said Christiansen postgame.
"I think the five goals are very nice for the spectator, but when you see that we conceded three, you have to analyze it. You don’t get any points in a key game, which this was against Honduras.We are going with our heads down, but there is one more game left. We are going to go out to win and do well and wait for what happens.”
Panama remain hopeful of advancing and will need a win against Grenada, partnered with a Honduras win over Qatar, to get to the next round. Honduras, meanwhile, are through to the next round and are in pole position to advance as the group winner.
"We appealed to have peace of mind, to not despair,” said Honduras coach Fabian Coito on his advice at halftime when his team was trailing 2-1.
"The two goals came due to individual ability, as a result of being close to having goal chances near the goal. There were two chances and we were able to make a final mark and turned the score around.” With two goals in the second half, Honduras completed a comeback win and overcame the injury of one of their most important attacking options in Alberth Elis. Now, brimming with confidence, they prepare for a battle with Qatar for the top of Group D.