Honduras relishing underdog status

Honduras is set go into Wednesday's clash with Australia as underdogs but coach Jose Luis Pinto believes it will give his side a major advantage over the Socceroos when they take to the field at ANZ Stadium.

Jorge Luis Pinto

Source: EPA/JOSE VALLE

With a sell-out crowd expected in Sydney for the do-or-die intercontinental playoff match, Pinto suggests the weight of expectation from 83,000 screaming fans could cause the Socceroos to crumble.   

The Colombian born coach is confident his players will be free to play their natural game and believes his side has what it takes to secure World Cup qualification.

"They are the ones that are now under pressure," he said.

“In San Pedro Sula we were under pressure, but now it’s them.

“That will suit us because it will leave us with a lot of space on the field.
“I plead with the people that they keep trusting us, because we are so close to reaching the World Cup.”

Coach Jorge Luis Pinto made up for the long flight with two training sessions on Monday.

The Hondurans are unlikely to have much support on Wednesday night, despite the fact they remain in with a chance after a 0-0 draw in their home leg last weekend.

"It's not a huge community," one supporter called Carlos said of the number of Hondurans living in Sydney.

However, based on the Sydney Games he did expect some fans to travel.

"A few usually do (travel). For the 2000 Sydney Olympics I was surprised that there was a good size of visitors," said Carlos, who was present when Honduras beat Australia 2-1 in that tournament.

Australia are favoured to progress to Russia, but Carlos expected Honduras to be competitive and wouldn't be too upset if the Socceroos advanced.
"I hope Honduras will win, and I'm pretty sure they are going to have a good game," he said.

"For the time I've been here, 30 years, I'm a good supporter of Honduras, but also I support Australia, half and half.

"So I hope the best team will win, either one I'd be happy."


Share
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
2 min read
Published 13 November 2017 10:51pm
Source: SBS The World Game


Share this with family and friends