Mexico substitutes Corona and Damm work magic in win vs. Honduras

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:09 am
A bit of brilliance from Jesus "Tecatito" Corona helped Mexico to their first win in San Pedro Sula in 50 years.
A bit of brilliance from Jesus "Tecatito" Corona helped Mexico to their first win in San Pedro Sula in 50 years.
AP Photo/Moises Castillo

Mexico took goals from substitutes Jesus Corona and Jurgen Damm to earn a 2-0 CONCACAF World Cup qualifying win against Honduras in a sweltering Estadio Olimpico. It was the team's first win in Honduras in 22 years.

It was the second win in two tries for new Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio, as the Colombian used a slightly different starting formation than the 4-4-2 he employed in his team's win on Friday against El Salvador.

After a plodding and physical first half that ended 0-0, Mexico came out looking for a goal in the second half but were still unable to break through.

Raul Jimenez blazed over from close range on a golden opportunity for Mexico after Javier Hernandez's shot was deflected in front of the goal mouth by Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares.

Osorio turned to his bench in the 60th minute, substituting Javier Aquino for Corona. The new Mexico manager was rewarded almost instantly when the 22-year-old turned in a brilliant individual effort and volleyed into the back of the Honduras net in the 67th minute.

A bit of brilliance from Jesus "Tecatito" Corona helped Mexico to their first win in San Pedro Sula in 50 years.
A bit of brilliance from Jesus "Tecatito" Corona helped Mexico to their first win in San Pedro Sula in 50 years.
AP Photo/Moises Castillo

Another substitute, Damm, paid immediate dividends after coming on in the 70th minute for Hernandez. The Tigres striker picked up a ball on the right side of the Honduras penalty area and flashed towards goal. With Corona open in front of the goal, Damm instead chose to shoot, blasting a no-look effort in from six yards to double Mexico's lead.

The teams played six minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half after play was held up following an injury. Mexico's Aquino fell into Luis Garrido of Honduras, bending the midfielder's leg in the wrong direction. Arnold Peralta came on for Garrido, who was taken from the field on a stretcher.

The second half started as the first half ended, with more chippy play. Oswaldo Alanis fouled Erick Andino just outside Mexico's penalty area, but the free kick attempt from Mario Martinez flew over the crossbar.

Mexico's Oswaldo Alanis was also taken from the field on a stretcher after an injury in the 85th minute.