0' A Match between two teams losing their openers here, and both sides desperately needing three points to keep any hope alive. The Hondurans have the easier fixture in the final game against the Swiss, who were nearly head to a draw by Ecuador and who were taken apart by the French, and a win by 2 or more goals here would mean the only would need to hold Switzerland to a draw to move on. A win by Ecuador doesn't eliminate the Honduras, and the Ecuadorians might even go through with a win here and a loss to France if Honduras then move on to beat Switzerland. Whatever the situation might turn into, three points undeniably better than going home today with none, and both teams will look to play for the win.
20' Well a very open game thus far, with no strong midfield play by either team. Good opportunities for both, but both teams lacking finishing as well. A wide open game, but somewhat sloppy play from both sides, and it only seems a matter of time before one of them get lucky and strike a goal, but neither team with the kind of form that looks like it might do much harm to either the Swiss or the French. Still time to settle down and string together a few good possessions though, but both teams attacking up the wings in long ball strategy that hardly looks effective or dangerous.
28' Nearly a goal from Honduras off a corner, a man flying in on the far post left unmarked, and gets a good head to the ball that goes just the wrong side of the upright. The keeper was beat, and Honduras left ruing their chance. An excellent set piece nonetheless, but sloppy defending from the Ecuadorians. They'll have to do better.
31' And its the games opening goal, one for Honduras. A beautiful through ball well brought down by Costly who then powers it home past the keeper. An excellent shot and ball and just what the Hondurans needed. Somehow one gets the feeling there are plenty more goals to come in this one though, and 1 goal surely isn't enough to feel safe or to put the Ecuadorians out just yet.
34' Well the lead didnt last long. A shot takes a deflection off the Honduran defenders and trickles towards the far post where Valencia slots it in past the keeper. A good piece of dribbling but a poor shot turns into a brilliant cross and excellent finish. Back to square one here, but both sides will look to take the lead going into the half.
45' Oh its a disallowed goal for Honduras and it was absolutely beautiful header that goes into the crossbar and the rebound sent into goal. Hondurans finding a lot of space on excellent into the box, and very nearly taking the lead before half. They'll be upset at the referee, but it was a good call by the referee and no controversy when you view the replay. A blessing in disguise for Ecuador as perhaps the Hondurans will be thrown off their game by frustration.
58' Nearly a goal for Ecuador, as an excellent run into defense is met with a sliding tackle that just puts the striker off enough to prevent danger but not enough to warrant a penalty. Minutes later nearly a goal for Honduras as a beautiful shot seemingly destined for the bottom right corner is saved brilliantly. Still sloppy midfield play from both teams, and plenty of space to be found in attack, but swarming defenses, offside traps and lack of finishing touch keeping things level for now.
65' Oh there it is, finally a go ahead goal for Ecuador. Its Valencia again on a header from a free kick. He was well marked but the Honduran defender unable to elevate, and the keeper beaten. Ecuador realistically need a win here to have a chance of moving on. A relatively even game though and Honduras not without chances themselves, and always still the possibility for more goals.
84' Oh nearly the equaliser for Honduras. A great cross comes across the face of goal but no one can get to it. Running out of time now, but Honduras knocking on the door. So far Ecuador doing just enough in defense and a bit of luck to keep them out.
Final' All over now, its a pair of goals from Valencia to gift Ecuador three points. Neither team looked up the the class of play required to do much in the knockout rounds though. Never the less, plenty of possibilities left, as a Honduras win against Switzerland by 2 goals and a France win against Ecuador by 2 goals, or a Honduras win by 3 goals and a France win by 1 goal sees Honduras through. Ecuador are through with a draw and either a Honduran draw or win, or they can even get in through a loss and a Honduran win by 2 or fewer goals if they lose by 1 goal, or a Honduran win by 1 goal if they lose by 2 goals. Switzerland of course through with a win and Ecuadorian loss or tie, or a draw and an Ecuadorian loss by two or more goals. However, Neither Ecuador nor Honduras really playing with the kind of form that you would think is going to challenge France, nor even the Swiss.
No comments:
Post a Comment