The Honduras national team qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2025 Gold Cup after defeating Curacao 2-1 in a tense match played on Tuesday, June 24 at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.
With this victory, the team coached by Reinaldo Rueda scored six points in Group B, finishing in second place behind Canada, which led with seven points. Honduras will now face Panama, the leader of Group C, in the quarterfinals.
How the match went: goals and key moments
Buzzy
Honduras showed its offensive intent from the very first minute.
Although the first big chance was generated by Kenji Gorré for Curaçao at 9′, with a powerful shot that went very close to the goal defended by Edrick Menjívar.
After some unsuccessful attempts by Edwin Rodríguez and Jorge Benguché, Honduras found the lead in the 32nd minute with a goal by Jorge Álvarez.
He shot from outside the area after an excellent assist from Kervin Arriaga.
However, the joy was short-lived.
In the 42nd minute, an own goal by goalkeeper Menjívar made it 1-1 after a bad clearance on a play with no apparent danger.
At that point, Curaçao took the opportunity to intensify their offensive pressure, led by Jürgen Locadia, but to no avail.
When the tie seemed definitive, Luis Palma appeared in the 91st minute with an accurate shot that sealed the Catracho victory and Honduras’ qualification to the quarterfinals.
What’s next
Thanks to this victory, Honduras continues in the 2025 Gold Cup and prepares to face a solid Panama, which won all three of its group matches, on June 30.
This match will be an interesting rematch, as the two teams have met several times in the final stages of the tournament.
Honduras will face Panamá in the quarterfinals
With a growing generation of players and the experience of Colombian coach Rueda, Honduras will be looking to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2013.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
